Teleology, in Adler's theory, is best described as goal-oriented behavior.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not defined
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Teleology in Adlerian theory is the idea that behavior is directed toward a purpose or goal; actions are guided by imagined future aims, not just by past events or immediate impulses. Adler framed people as striving for superiority and social connectedness, with a “fictional finalism” that provides a future target shaping present behavior. This forward-looking, goal-directed orientation explains why a person might work hard, compensate for inferiority, or act in ways that seem aimed at a particular outcome even if they’re not consciously aware of the exact goal. So describing teleology as goal-oriented behavior is accurate. It isn’t about pure past causation or random response, and it isn’t undefined or episodic in nature—the teleological view sees ongoing purposeful striving as a central aspect of how people act.