teleonomy

English

Etymology

From teleo- +‎ -nomy. Coined by biologist Colin Pittendrigh in 1958, who wanted to limit the much older term "teleology" to actions planned by an agent who can internally model alternative futures with intention, purpose and foresight.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌtɛliˈɒnəmi/
• Rhymes: -ɒnəmi

Noun

teleonomy (usually uncountable, plural teleonomies)

1. (evolutionary theory) The quality of living organisms of seeming to be organized towards the attainment of an end.

Derived terms

• teleonomic

Related terms

• teleonomist

Translations

quality of living organisms

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 目的性 (zh) (mùdìxìng)

• Dutch: please add this translation if you can
• Finnish: teleonomia