Editing Teleonomy (section)

{{short description|Apparent purposefulness brought about by natural processes}}
'''Teleonomy''' is the quality of apparent purposefulness and of goal-directedness of structures and functions in living organisms brought about by natural processes like [[Natural Selection|natural selection]]. The term derives from two [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] words, τέλος, from τελε-, ("end", "goal", "purpose") and νόμος ''nomos'' ("law"). Teleonomy is sometimes contrasted with [[teleology in biology|teleology]], where the latter is understood as a purposeful goal-directedness brought about through human or divine intention. Teleonomy is thought to derive from [[evolution]]ary history, adaptation for [[reproductive success]], and/or the operation of a program. Teleonomy is related to programmatic or computational aspects of purpose.