Combining Texts

Ideas for 'After Finitude', 'Introduction - Ontology' and 'De Anima'

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2 ideas

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 1. Nature

1740	Nature does nothing in vain [Aristotle]
	Full Idea: Nature does nothing in vain.
	From: Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 434a31)

26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / c. Purpose denied

5501	People are trying to explain biological teleology in naturalistic causal terms [Lycan]
	Full Idea: There is now a small but vigorous industry whose purpose is to explicate biological teleology in naturalistic terms, typically in terms of causes.
	From: William Lycan (Introduction - Ontology [1999], p.10)
	A reaction: This looks like a good strategy. In some sense, it seems clear that the moon has no purpose, but an eyeball has one. Via evolution, one would expect to reduce this to causation. Purposes are real (not subjective), but they are reducible.