finalism

[ fahyn-l-iz-uh m ]

/ ˈfaɪn lˌɪz əm /

the doctrine or belief that all events are determined by their purposes or goals.

Origin of finalism

First recorded in 1905–10; final + -ism

Yet finalism is not, like mechanism, a doctrine with fixed rigid outlines.

Creative Evolution |Henri Bergson
The point in Bergson's system which seems least in harmony with theistic belief is his criticism and rejection of finalism.

The Christian Faith Under Modern Searchlights |William Hallock Johnson
Especially (and this is the point on which finalism has been most seriously mistaken) harmony is rather behind us than before.

Creative Evolution |Henri Bergson
Again, in opposition to finalism he urges the variety of living forms.

The Christian Faith Under Modern Searchlights |William Hallock Johnson

Mechanism and finalism agree in taking account only of the bright nucleus shining in the centre.

Creative Evolution |Henri Bergson

finalism

/ (ˈfaɪnəˌlɪzəm) /

philosophy the doctrine that final causes determine the course of all events

finalistic, adjective