The biological basis of teleological concepts

Book • 1973
Harry Binswanger's "Biological Basis of Teleological Concepts" examines the philosophical underpinnings of teleology in living organisms, addressing how non-conscious goals can be understood.

Binswanger explores the relationship between past instances of circulation and the current beating of the heart.

The book connects this to the perpetuation and development of organisms, influenced by Ayn Rand's concept of goal-directed actions.

Binswanger's approach emphasizes the automatic functions of living organisms, focusing on the preservation of an organism's life.

It provides a framework to understand non-conscious teleology without implying conscious intent, arguing that the organism's structure results in its continued existence.

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Ben Bayer

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Ben Bayer
, influenced by Harry Binswanger's book that tackles the philosophical question of how you can make sense of non-conscious goals.
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