Single Idea 12755

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / h. Explanations by function]

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.

Gist of Idea

Final causes can help with explanations in physics

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (On Nature Itself (De Ipsa Natura) [1698], §04)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.157


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.