philosophy A doctrine explaining phenomena by their ends or purposes.

Roget 620: intent, intention, intentionality; purpose; quo animo [Lat.]; project etc. 626; undertaking etc. 676; predetermination etc. 611; design, ambition.    contemplation, mind, animus, view, purview, proposal; study; look out.    final cause; raison d'etre [Fr.]; cui bono [Lat.]; object, aim, end; the be all and the end all;" drift etc. (meaning) 516; tendency etc. 176; destination, mark, point, butt, goal, target, bull's-eye, quintain [Mediev.]; prey, quarry, game.    decision, determination, resolve; fixed set purpose, settled purpose; ultimatum; resolution etc. 604; wish etc. 865; arriere pensee [Fr.]; motive etc. 615.    [Study of final causes] teleology.    ... show more

Dutch: doelmatigheidsleer, teleologie
Polish: teleologia