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Teleological reasoning about nature: intentional design or relational perspectives?
Bethany Ojalehto1, Sandra R Waxman, Douglas L Medin
1Psychology Department, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Road-102 Swift Hall, Evanston, IL 60208-2710, USA. bethanyojalehto2015@u.northwestern.edu
Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|March 23, 2013
Summary
Humans may not mistakenly believe nature is designed, but instead appreciate its interconnectedness. This relational-deictic view explains teleological thinking across cultures and ages, challenging previous theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Developmental Psychology
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- The 'promiscuous teleology' theory suggests humans mistakenly attribute purpose to natural kinds, like artifacts.
- This theory faces paradoxes regarding children's developing understanding and indigenous ecological knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an alternative interpretation of teleological reasoning in humans.
- To address limitations of the 'promiscuous teleology' theory.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of existing evidence on teleological reasoning.
- Development of the 'relational-deictic' interpretation.
Main Results:
- The 'promiscuous teleology' theory struggles to explain developmental and cross-cultural variations.
- The 'relational-deictic' interpretation offers a novel framework for understanding teleological stances.
Conclusions:
- Teleological reasoning may stem from understanding perspectival relationships in nature, not a belief in design.
- This perspective reconciles observations of teleological thinking in diverse populations and developmental stages.
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