ABSTRACT
The definition of “behavior” as purposive activity is, among the familiar definitions, the one that most sharply distinguishes a psychological subject matter. This definition evokes a strong negative reaction among many scientists on the ground that the concept of purpose is said to be teleological, a characterization that is held to be sufficient to damn any concept to which it applies. What is wrong with teleology and, insofar as it represents a scientifically untenable doctrine, does it apply to the concept of purpose?
