[f. as prec. + -IST.] A believer in or maintainer of the doctrine of teleology; one versed in this.
1860. Alger, Future Life (1864), V. ix. 648–9. He [God] is no mere Teleologist, hobbling towards his conclusions on a pair of decayed logic-crutches, but an infinite Artist, whose means and ends are consentaneous in the timeless and spaceless spontaneity and perfection of his play.
1864. H. Spencer, Princ. Biol., I. II. vii. § 79. 234. The explanation of the teleologist is untrue,… things are not arranged thus or thus for the securing of special ends.
1881. G. J. Romanes, in Nature, XXIV. 2. The burden of proof lies with the teleologists to show that any special cases … are to be regarded as inexplicable.
So Teleologism, teleological theory or doctrine.
1889. Pop. Sci. Monthly, June, 278/1. In the course of his transition from strict teleologism to the full acceptance of the theory of evolution.
