teleonomy

From teleo- +‎ -nomy. Coined by biologist Colin Pittendrigh in 1958, who wanted to limit the much older term "teleology" to actions planned by an agent who can internally model alternative futures with intention, purpose and foresight.

• IPA^(key): /ˌtɛliˈɒnəmi/
• Rhymes: -ɒnəmi

teleonomy (usually uncountable, plural teleonomies)

1. (evolutionary theory) The quality of living organisms of seeming to be organized towards the attainment of an end.

• teleonomic

• teleonomist