Single Idea 6538

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / A. Speculations on Nature / 2. Natural Purpose / b. Limited purposes]

Full Idea

We need a notion of teleology that comes in degrees.

Clarification

'Teleology' concerns purposes

Gist of Idea

We need a notion of teleology that comes in degrees

Source

William Lycan (Consciousness [1987], 4.4)

Book Reference

Lycan,William G.: 'Consciousness' [MIT 1995], p.45


A Reaction

Anyone who says that key concepts, such as those concerning the mind, should come 'in degrees' wins my instant support. A whole car engine requires a very teleological explanation, the spark in the sparkplug far less so.