title: Teleology in biology: Is it a cause for concern?
abstract: Evolutionary biology is distinctively forward looking or 'teleological' in its way of thought. In this, it distinguishes itself from the physical sciences. One can ask for the purpose or function of the stegoseaur's fins. One would never ask for the function of a planet. Many, including biologists, worry that such teleology is an unhappy legacy of a Christian past. Although teleology does have its roots in pre-evolutionary thought, there are good reasons why it has persisted, and there are equally good reasons why it should be cherished.
authors.affiliation: Michael Ruse is at the Dept of Philosophy, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ruse