Teleology

Cover Title page Copyright page Teleology Contents 1 Introduction 2 Functions 2.1 The Concept of Function 2.2 The Selectionist Theory 2.3 The Causal Role Theory 2.4 The Goal-Contribution Approach 2.5 Goal-Contribution Functions and Normativity 2.6 Compatibility of the Goal-Contribution Approach with Recent Theories of Function 3 Goals 3.1 A Reductive Approach 3.2 Nagel’s ‘System-Property’ Cybernetic Analysis 3.3 The Problem of Extensional Adequacy 3.4 The Big Bad Bug: The Problems of Goal Failure and Underdetermination 3.5 The Counterfactual Formulation 3.6 Inner Representational Properties 3.7 Taking Stock 4 Powers 4.1 The Metaphysics of Properties: Powerful or Categorical? 4.2 The Intentionality Theory of Powers 4.3 Powers as Telic States 4.4 Another Look at Goal-Directedness: A Powerful Approach 4.5 Another Look at the Problem of Goal-Failure: A Powerful Solution 4.6 A Platonic Twist? 4.7 Further Work: The Extent of Teleology 4.8 Further Work: Can There Be Goal-Directedness without Goal-Directed Powers? 4.9 Summing Up References Acknowledgements