Table 3 The structure of teleological explanations; the difference is in the underlying consequence etiology
Observation | 1st inference: Teleological inference | 2nd inference: Consequence etiology | |
|---|---|---|---|
Misconception/illegitimate explanation | Organisms have structure A that performs function B | Structure A exists in order to perform function B | Structure A exists in order to perform function B because a designer intentionally designed it for this purpose (design teleology—external) |
Misconception/illegitimate explanation | Organisms have structure A that performs function B | Structure A exists in order to perform function B | Structure A exists in order to perform function B because it is necessary to its bearers for their survival/reproduction (design teleology—internal) |
Legitimate explanation | Organisms have structure A that performs function B | Structure A exists in order to perform function B | Structure A was selectively favored because the function B that it performs confers an advantage to its bearers for their survival/reproduction (selection teleology) |