teleonomy
English
Etymology
From teleo- + -nomy. Coined by biologist Colin Pittendrigh in 1958, who wanted to limit the much older term "teleology" to actions planned by an agent who can internally model alternative futures with intention, purpose and foresight.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˌtɛliˈɒnəmi/
- Rhymes: -ɒnəmi
Noun
teleonomy (usually uncountable, plural teleonomies)
- (evolutionary theory) The quality of living organisms of seeming to be organized towards the attainment of an end.
Derived terms
- teleonomic
Related terms
- teleonomist
Translations
quality of living organisms
|