Teleological Embryonic Development as Evidence of the First Premise of the Fifth Way
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53439/stdfyt55.28.2025.103-132Keywords:
chance, evolution, embryonic development, teleology, fifth wayAbstract
Modern synthesis proposes that evolution is a random process, without directionality or purpose. This claim would be in conflict with the teleological proposal of the fifth way of St. Thomas Aquinas, who in his first premise asserts the existence of natural bodies that act for a purpose. This paper discusses theoretical, conceptual arguments, and especially empirical evidence, to show that the morphogenetic processes occurring during embryonic development do indeed have directionality and purpose. Based on this, a scientific teleology is defended, to provide at least minimal support for the empirical validity of the first way.
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