Teleology: relationship between science and religion and its influence on teaching of biological evolution

Abstract

A teleological explanation is linked to the idea of finality, often adopting terms such as purpose, goal and function, and have played a central role throughout the history of life sciences. Given the extensive presence of these explanations in our culture, these become a very important point of attention for teachers, especially those dedicated to teaching biology, with emphasis on biological evolution. In this text, we seek to present a historical view of teleological explanations in the life sciences, their adoption by creationist movements and, finally, the impacts on the teaching of biological evolution.

Keywords

• ensino de ciências e biologia
• evolução biológica
• darwin