Final answer:
In philosophical terms, things in the natural world do not always achieve their telos due to external factors that may impede or alter their intended end or purpose. While some may see a guiding force behind these purposes, the complexity of free will and the randomness of certain events lead to the conclusion that achieving telos cannot be guaranteed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question “Do things in the natural world always achieve their telos/purpose?” involves the consideration of varied philosophical and empirical elements and can be approached from different perspectives. The most apt answer from the given options would be option 3: It depends on external factors.
According to Aristotle’s theory of causality, every being or process in the natural world has a telos, an end or purpose it naturally seeks to fulfill. However, not all beings or processes inevitably achieve this end due to various intervening external factors. For instance, a plant's telos may be to grow and reproduce, but it may be hindered by a lack of water or nutrients, or by being eaten by an herbivore.
From the perspective of nature and the environment, while natural systems have evolved over millions of years to sustain life, the integrity of these systems can be disrupted by external factors such as human activity. Conservation efforts focus on understanding and preserving the telos of ecosystems and species, recognizing that human actions have a significant impact on whether natural entities can achieve their purpose.
In considering human actions, questions arise about free will, destiny, and responsibility. While humans may have the capacity to make choices, these choices are often influenced by prior experiences, social constructs, and biological impulses. Thus, the question of whether individuals achieve their telos is complex and can't be reduced to simple determinism or absolute freedom.
The discussion on whether an intelligent Designer directs things towards their telos intersects with religion and metaphysics. While some may argue for the existence of a divine guiding force, others view evolutionary processes as undirected yet resulting in complex adaptation that could be mistaken for designed purpose.
In conclusion, the interplay of design, chance, free will, and external factors makes it so that things in the natural world do not always achieve their telos. A flexible and holistic understanding of purpose and the factors influencing it is necessary to navigate questions of environmental sustainability, human behavior, and metaphysical purpose.