Prominent Philosophers on Teleology
Aristotle is often credited as one of the first to articulate a teleological view by arguing that natural entities have inherent purposes or ends. Thomas Aquinas later adopted and adapted Aristotle’s ideas, integrating them into a theological framework that posited natural law and divine purpose. Immanuel Kant also addressed teleology in his Critique of Judgment, exploring how organisms may be understood as if guided by an inherent purpose. Additionally, Hegel discussed history and nature as processes moving toward an ultimate rational conclusion, offering another perspective on teleological development.