Teleological Explanations: An Etiological Analysis of Goals and Functions

A modern classic in the philosophy of science, Larry Wright’s Teleological Explanations reframes purpose-talk in biology, psychology, and the social sciences as genuine, testable explanation rather than pre-Galilean superstition. Moving from the stock “charges against teleology” to a positive account of goal-directed behavior and function, Wright shows how explanations that cite what something is for can be understood etiologically—by the role consequences play in bringing about and sustain...