Phrase of the Day

Promiscuous teleology:

Psychologist Debora Kelemen of Boston University has argued that young children exhibit “promiscuous teleology” (a phrase only an academic could love), meaning they find goals and purposes in almost everything. [“Fate: Inventing Reasons for the Things Thatt Happen,” Stuart Vyse, September / October Skeptical Inquirer, p. 25]

Oh, I disagree: that’s a cool phrase. From the same article, an example of a teleological explanation is, if Briana’s cat ran away, it’s to teach her that taking care of animals is a big responsibility,” in contrast to the natural explanation “Because she left the door open.”

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About Hue White

Former BBS operator; software engineer; cat lackey.

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