Abstract

Some biologists such as Ernst Mayr insist on replacing the expression teleology which they find suspect with teleonomy to only refer to goal-directed processes in the life sciences. Others like Francisco Ayala argue that the extant word teleology is preferable provided one differentiates the myriads of applications utilized in biology. When one understands the history of the term teleology it is not surprising that there are two divergent theses concerning the use of the locution in evolutionary biology. This paper offers a solution of this infelicity. Although it might appear that this issue only concerns the replacement of one locution for another, much more is involved. For example, Ayala is committed to defending the autonomy and unique nature of the life sciences. I subsequently champion Ayala's thesis and argue that his approach is closer to currently successful biological practice and of greater heuristic promise for future research than is Mayr's