ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author offers an analysis of what exactly ideology is. He focuses on the function of ideology. The author then draws a distinction between causal and teleological notions of function, and argues that people should prefer a teleological account. He also explains that the notion of function can be interpreted in two ways. Functions can be thought of causally or teleologically. The author tackles the problem of explaining how ideologies get their teleological functions using a theory of functions developed by the philosopher Ruth Garrett Millikan. He then uses the teleofunctional approach to throw light on how media makes, ignites, and breaks ideology, concentrating on anti-Semitic ideology. The fact that the word “function” has two meanings implies that there are two distinct functional conceptions of ideology. Saying that ideologies have the function of promoting oppression might be saying either that this is their causal function or that this is their teleofunction.
