Dysteleology
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Dysteleology is the philosophical view that existence has no telos or final cause from purposeful design. The term "dysteleology" is a modern word invented and popularized by Haeckel.[1] Dysteleology is an aggressive, yet optimistic, form of science-oriented atheism originally perhaps associated with Ernst Haeckel and his followers, but now perhaps more associated with the type of atheism of Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, or Christopher Hitchens. Western philosophy since Copernicus has been increasingly dysteleological. Unlike traditional philosophical and religious perspectives, modern philosophical naturalism sees existence as having no inherent goal. Philosophical schools that have rejected dysteleology include German idealism (including the philosophies of Hegel and Schelling), Integral theory, and some adherents to the Anthropic principle.
Dysteleology is also the name given to a line of reasoning within the philosophy of religion, which stands in opposition to the Teleological argument. It claims that the discord, pain and evil in the universe suggests that there is no God or creative force behind it, or that, if there is such a force, it is malevolent rather than benevolent.
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[edit] Haeckel as a philosopher
Haeckel (1834–1919) was a scientist, philosopher, physician, and artist with a range of talents and achievements somewhat rivaling polymathic geniuses like Leonardo or Goethe; however, many of his speculative ideas were scientifically incorrect. As a philosopher, Haeckel developed a hylozoistic metaphysics somewhat reminiscent of that of the early Greeks. For the traditional Judaeo-Christian emphasis on God, immortality, and free will as a gift from God, he substituted a naturalistic monistic metaphysics emphasizing truth, beauty, and morality with scientific progress. Haeckel's most popular work was perhaps The Riddle of the Universe (1895–1899, 1901 in English translation). In 1905, in order to promote his own political and philosophical beliefs, Haeckel founded the "Monist League", which survived his death and lasted until the Nazis came to power in Germany in 1933. In the history of science, Haeckel played an important role in publicizing Darwin's ideas, as did T. H. Huxley in Britain and Léon Dumont in France.
[edit] See also
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[edit] References
- ^ Romanes, George J. (1874-03-12). "Natural Selection and Dysteleology". Nature 9 (228): 361–2. doi:10.1038/009361a0.
[edit] External links
Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). "Dysteleology". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
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