Paths of Purposiveness

DAVOODY BENI M.

Biological Theory, vol.19, no.3, pp.177-183, 2024 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 19 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s13752-024-00467-3
  • Journal Name: Biological Theory
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Philosopher's Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.177-183
  • Keywords: Free energy principle, Goal-directedness, Teleology, Variational principles
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article aims to challenge the prevailing dichotomous approaches to goal-directedness across diverse scientific disciplines. To that effect, it focuses on establishing the interconnectedness of diverse notions of purposiveness by examining the relationship between variational principles in physics and life sciences. Thus, the article aims to uncover a unifying aspect of goal-directedness that transcends the varying levels of complexity.