An Analysis of the Concept of Goal

Abstract

The concept of goal basically and originally applies to unconstrained human actions. If we apply the concept of goal outside the sphere of unconstrained human actions, then either we are making conjectures regarding the action of beings that behave in a manner similar to that of persons, or else we attach a different meaning to the concept of goal so that it is used differently from the concept of goal as applied to unconstrained human actions. Nevertheless, an analysis of the concept of goal as applied within the sphere of unconstrained human actions would seem to be an indispensable step for the subsequent analysis of the concept of goal as applied outside praxiology (the science concerned with unconstrained human actions) and will make it possible to resolve the question of whether and to what degree the charge of illegitimate anthropomorphism levelled at teleological interpretations of organic nature may be justified. The present paper will be limited to an analysis of the concept of goal within the realm of unconstrained human actions.

Notes

First published as ‘Analiza pojęcia celu’ in Przegląd Filozoficzny 3/4, Warszawa, 1932. Translated by Ch. Kasparek.