Belkheiri, Nadji (2026) The Teleological Component in the Structure of Goal-Oriented Scientific Theories: A Restricted Structural Analysis and an Application from Climate Science. [Preprint]
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Abstract
This paper proposes a structural distinction within the class of scientific theories between "fundamental non-goal-oriented theories" and "goal-oriented theories." Focusing on the latter category, the paper argues that the "teleological component" (TC) is not merely an external or contextual consideration, but a necessary structural element for understanding the architecture of such theories and assessing their epistemic completeness. The paper draws upon three theoretical pillars: (1) the structuralist school in the analysis of scientific theories, as developed by Sneed, Stegmüller, and Moulines, which permits the representation of theories as set-theoretic entities amenable to conceptual expansion; (2) the contemporary literature on the role of non-epistemic values in science, advanced by Douglas and Elliott, which establishes the legitimacy of incorporating normative considerations into scientific practice; and (3) virtue epistemology, as articulated by Sosa and Zagzebski, which redefines knowledge as virtuous intellectual performance and distinguishes between animal knowledge and reflective knowledge. By focusing on Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) in climate science as a paradigm case, we show that these models are constructed entirely around predetermined normative goals (such as the 1.5°C target), and that severing them from these goals results in the loss of their epistemic identity. We conclude by proposing a criterion of "teleological validation" as a necessary additional standard for assessing the completeness of goal-oriented theories, and we defend an expanded conception of scientific quality that integrates methodological rigor with civilizational responsibility.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Keywords: | Scientific Teleology, Structuralism in Philosophy of Science, Goal-Oriented Theories, Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), Values in Science, Teleological Validation, Virtue Epistemology. | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Historical Sciences General Issues > Philosophers of Science General Issues > Theory/Observation General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Depositing User: | Dr. Nadji Belkheiri | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 23 Apr 2026 13:10 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 23 Apr 2026 13:10 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 29292 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Historical Sciences General Issues > Philosophers of Science General Issues > Theory/Observation General Issues > Values In Science |
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| Date: | 23 April 2026 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/29292 |
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