“The Sense of Teleology in Processes and in the Development of Living Organisms: Are Aristotle and Molecular Genetics Compatible?”
In this paper I will analyse Aristotle’s teleology, a central component of his philosophy. I intend, firstly and on the basis of biology, to show that it is an empirical thesis and not an a priori one –that is, brought or applied to nature. Secondly, I will notice that the material causes of generation of a living organism are insufficient to explain and produce such an end. In other words, no sum of actualizations of the element‐potentials is sufficient by itself for the production of those complex living structures and functionings for which Aristotle offers teleological explanation.
I have a special interest in enquiring if and how classical notions (that have become important and been enriched with new nuances in the contemporaneity too) as teleology and intentionality (for instance) have their sense and validity facing the headways of science, and they allow, in turn, to bring bridges of dialogue between science and philosophy, giving a genuine and valid frame of humanization to the science.