Question

The idea that simple physical objects, like stones, have goals strikes us now as very peculiar, but we actually do still use teleological explanations. What, in your view, is the main criterion that governs the appropriateness today of a teleological explanation as opposed to a mechanistic explanation? Do you believe that teleological explanations are required in the cases where we employ it, or are they in principle replaceable by mechanistic explanations? Why or why not?

Answer 1

• A teleological explanation is an explanation based on a purpose. The thermostat, for example, has the purpose of maintaining a suitable temperature, and we often explain its operation in terms of how it meets that purpose. Teleological explanation can be contrasted with mechanical explanation.
• A mechanical explanation is one based on the idea of physical matter in motion, as described by laws of physics. When we describe the behavior of objects using Newton’s laws of motion and Newton’s law of gravity, we are providing a mechanistic explanation. No purpose is assumed by such an explanation, so the mechanistic explanation is entirely non-teleological. Scientists usually prefer mechanistic explanations, where they are available.
• Teleological explanation is the explanation of why events happen and Mechanistic explanation is the explanation is how the events happen.
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