The problem of teleology in biology as a problem of biology-teacher education

Abstract

The paper sketches the ways ‘the problem of teleology’ appears in pupil-texts, teacher-guides, and college-level texts. Excerpts from the literature in the field of philosophy and history of science are then quoted, which illustrate that ‘the problem of teleology’ cannot be handled dogmatically, as if the issues were indisputable. It is pointed out, that teacher-education does not enable the prospective teacher to analyse the teacher and pupil texts objectively and critically as to their philosophical implications. Suggestions are made which might alter this situation.