Teleological Explanations An Etiological Analysis Of Goals And Functions - Larry Wright

A Modern Classic In The Philosophy Of Science, Larry Wrightrsquo;s Teleological Explanations Reframes Purpose-talk In Biology, Psychology, And The Social Sciences As Genuine, Testable Explanation Rather Than Pre-galilean Superstition. Moving From The Stock Charges Against Teleologyrdquo; To A Positive Account Of Goal-directed Behavior And Function, Wright Shows How Explanations That Cite What Something Is For Can Be Understood Etiologicallymdash;by The Role Consequences Play In Bringing About And Sustaining The Behaviors And Structures That Have Them. The Bookrsquo;s Through-line Is Crisp And Cumulative: A Critique Of Confusions About Cause And Effect And Anthropomorphism, An Analysis Of Directed Behavior, A Theory Of Functions That Spans Natural And Conscious Cases, And A Final Integration With Action Explanation.