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.”
