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Ideas for 'Abstract Objects: a Case Study', 'On Nature Itself (De Ipsa Natura)' and 'works'

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14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / h. Explanations by function
Final causes can help with explanations in physics [Leibniz]
     Full Idea: Final causes not only advance virtue and piety in ethics and natural theology, but also help us to find and lay bare hidden truths in physics itself.
     From: Gottfried Leibniz (On Nature Itself (De Ipsa Natura) [1698], §04)
     A reaction: This rearguard action against the attack on teleology is certainly aimed at Spinoza. The notion of purpose still seems to have a role to play in evolutionary biology, but probably not in physics.