Purpose

Guest post by: Phillip Ross
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Purpose - By Phillip Ross

Purpose is central to a good life. Pursuing a career, raising a family, devotion to a vocation (job), and acquiring wealth are perhaps the most widespread long-term purposes that make life meaningful. Service to others and helping the needy are also often cited.

Purpose is similar to teleology, the idea that design and purpose are implicit in all living organisms. Teleology is the doctrine of the final causes of things; specifcally, the doctrine of design, which assumes that the phenomena of organic life, particularly those of evolution, are explicable only by purposive causes, and that they in no way admit of a mechanical explanation or one based entirely on biological science; the doctrine of adaptation to purpose.

Until the modern age, philosophy followed Aristotle's depiction of a teleological cosmos in which all things had a final purpose, namely, to realize their implicit perfection. Until the modern age, philosophy followed Aristotle's depiction of a teleological cosmos in which all things had a final purpose,

Most modern philosophers of science have reversed the idea of purpose being inherent in nature. For instance, they do not consider the purpose of an eye as being "in order to see." Rather, material cause-and-effect processes are credited with bringing about the eye organ as a function of chance and natural selection.

The difference is similar to that between a cause pushing from behind (i.e., movements of billiard balls) and a cause pulling from ahead (i.e., the movement of a growing plant seeking light). Teleology or purpose helps us to understand that living things fulfill a purpose established by design at Creation. The richest understanding of this idea is found in traditional Christianity.

Businesses based on the values of Christianity are better focused on a sustainable purpose, and that means staying power and a genine customer-centric focus. Sustainability and customer-centric values translate into, not merely higher profitability in the short run, but sustainable profitability in the long run.

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Purpose - By Phillip Ross

About the Author: Phillip Ross

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Phil's professional education and life experience have provided him with an extensive understanding of people and organizations. With more than twenty-five years of ministry leadership, Phil has both an understanding of and experience with the unique circumstances involved in ministry and non-profit organizations. He has particular understanding of and commitment to historic Reformed Christianity. He has extensive teaching, public speaking, seminar and board leadership experience. Academic degrees in Philosophy and Theology provide a broad based perspective that understands logic, emotion, and values, and the significant roles each play in every organization. As a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Sales Training Institute (1966), Phil also has extensive knowledge of sales. Self-trained in graphic design and web design, Phil has enjoyed many years working in the art and science of design. As a published author of many books and articles, Phil understands the subtleties of language, grammar, editing, and the art of turning a phrase.
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