![]() While many derive their teleological beliefs from religion, others believe that the universe itself is in some mysterious way "conscious" and is "unfolding" toward certain predestined ends. If someone believes that the physical universe is controlled and guided toward certain ends by metaphysical forces such as God, destiny, fate, etc., then that person has stepped beyond the realm of rational scientific explanation. Science deads only with the physical universe and physical causality. Many individuals believe they are living to fulfill their personal destiny, that fits somehow with a larger and grander destiny for the world. Some Christian theologies include the idea of fate in the form of predestination (for example, Calvinists), and religious leaders of many faiths speak repeatedly of "God's plan for your life." Many Jews accept that their God has a plan for their people and nation (this was especially true during the diaspora, but continues even today with the continued survival of Israel). Such perspectives go back at least to the Greeks who believed in "the three Fates" -goddesses who controlled the lives of people and the world in general. Many real people and cultures throughout history have adopted similar views, accepting a destiny or fate for their lives. Fool! I am the Fates' lieutenant: I act under orders. 'Twas rehearsed by thee and me a billion years before this ocean rolled. Herman Melville articulated the concept in Moby Dick through Captain Ahab, who seemed to believe that his life was controlled by fate, and that he could follow no other path than to hunt the white whale because that was his destiny: This whole act's immutably decreed. While teleological ideas and beliefs tire still fairly common, they are decidedly not scientific or rational. Teleology is primarily defined as a belief in "final ends" or ultimate goals that constrain reality in such a way that those ends or goals will be reached. "DESTINY" IS A COMMON SYNONYM FOR WHAT philosophers call teleology-the idea that events follow a set plan that has a purpose. Frankenstein, in Mary Shelley's FrankensteinÄestiny is written concurrently with the event, not prior to it.-Jacques Monod ![]() Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction.
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