teleology

noun

1. the study of final causes
2. the fact or quality of being directed toward a definite end or of having an ultimate purpose, esp. as attributed to natural processes
3. 1. a belief, as that of vitalism, that natural phenomena are determined not only by mechanical causes but by an overall design or purpose in nature
   2. the study of evidence for this belief
4. Ethics the evaluation of conduct, as in utilitarianism, in relation to the end or ends it serves

Origin: ModL teleologia < Gr telos, teleos, an end (see telo-) + -logia (see -logy)