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Single Idea 12730

[from 'Principles of Philosophy' by René Descartes, in 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied ]

Full Idea

We will not seek for the reason of natural things from the end which God or nature has set before him in their creation .

Gist of Idea

We will not try to understand natural or divine ends, or final causes

Source

René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], §28)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.238


A Reaction

Teleology is more relevant to biology than to the other sciences, and it is hard to understand an eye without a notion of 'what it is for'. Planetary motion reveals nothing about purposes. If you demand a purpose, it becomes more baffling.