Skip to main content

Dispensability of Teleonomy

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science ((BSPS,volume 42))

Abstract

Teleology and teleonomy are notions employed in discourse, descriptive and explanatory, about living systems, and although it is claimed that they do not necessarily enter as causal elements in their functioning, it is asserted that they are essential definitory features of their organization. Our present aim is to show that in the light of the preceding discussion, these notions are unnecessary for the understanding of the living organization.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions
Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1980 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Maturana, H.R., Varela, F.J. (1980). Dispensability of Teleonomy. In: Autopoiesis and Cognition. Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, vol 42. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8947-4_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8947-4_10

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-277-1016-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-8947-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics