teleology

noun3

1. •
   The study of the design or final purpose of natural occurrences, that is, of such occurrences being the result of intention instead of prior causes.
2. •
   Design, final purpose, or intention in a natural occurrence; (countable) an assertion or instance of this.

   • Their proposed explanation at the time was riddled with teleology.
3. •
   The belief or theory that a natural occurrence is the result of divine design or intention rather than the laws of nature or science; theoteleology; (countable) a particular belief or theory of this sort.