The aim of this course is to familiarize students with how teleology and notions of purpose have influenced, and continue to influence, various areas of biology and philosophy. Is there purpose in the world, or is the idea of a goal-directed purpose a bankrupt notion that refuses to go away? To consider this question we will examine the roots of teleological explanations in ancient thinking, objections to it that arose during the modern period, how Darwin's theory changed the landscape, and then we will consider some of the current debates regarding teleology as they impact contemporary philosophy and science. Transformative Ideas course, open to sophomores only.
Department of Philosophy