Reference no: EM133349688

In the natural sciences, causal explanations are given in terms of (and restricted to) current and past events. In this view, no causal chain can work backward in time and, therefore, future events cannot control or influence current or past events. But, as we know, in many cases, individuals appear to behave purposively or act as if they are behaving with respect to the future. How can the restrictions on the explanatory systems provided in natural sciences be reconciled with what appears, upon the most cursory or casual observation, to be obvious purposiveness (teleology) in human behavior? Can an account of complex human behavior be given without appealing to purposive explanations or explanations in terms of future events, goals, and so on? Explain.