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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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Mentioned in 1 episodes

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Greg Salmieri
, mentioning the diagram on the cover and calling it a fantastic book.
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Ben Bayer
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The Origin of Life, Agency & Purpose: Terrence Deacon’s Theory

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