Final answer:
An explanation that is teleological relates to explaining something in terms of its purpose or goal, which is often used in philosophical arguments to infer an intelligent design within the universe indicating the presence of a creator.
Step-by-step explanation:
To say that an explanation is teleological is to say that c) it explains something in terms of its purpose or goal. The term teleological derives from the Greek words telos, meaning goal or end, and logos, referring to the study of the very nature of a thing. A teleological explanation looks at the purpose behind something, rather than just its existence or the definition of its components. For instance, the teleological argument in the context of theology, suggests that the order and complexity observed in the universe imply the existence of an intelligent designer, commonly inferred to be God. This is exemplified by William Paley's 'Watch' argument, which likens the complexity of a watch and its need for a watchmaker to the complexity of the universe necessitating a divine creator.
Aristotle's view on beings having a specific end or purpose aligns with the teleological perspective, indicating that every entity has a telos it aims to fulfill. Moreover, the implications of teleology extend to ethics, where actions can be evaluated based on whether they meet certain goals or purposes, providing a way to assess objective morality.