KINEOLOGY
What is kineology?
Kineology (from the root word kinetics, the study of motion) refers to the processes by way of which reality changes. According to the philosopher who makes the rationale for this label, kineology is that part of metaphysics which attempts to describe the most general characteristics of change in the universe (PHILOSOPHY, Ronald J. Glossop). The ancients conceived the topic in terms of "alpha and omega", the beginning and the end of all things, and as such it included Cosmology (the big bang) and Eschatology (heat-death of the universe). Modern versions are far less poetical, and consist of three basic processes: (i) determinism - the rule of cause and effect; (ii) existentialism - the occurrence of choice and chance; and (iii) functionalism - teleonomy (implementing plans) and teleology (fulfilling destiny). Here too reality consists of a blend, with determinism applying to mechanical aspects, existentialism applying to optional alternatives, and functionalism applying to consequential trajectories. It isn't necessary to assume that one type of change process fits or explains all instances of transformation - reality is more diverse than that.
How is kineology manifest?
Change processes that are confined to mechanical aspects of the universe operate on the basis of cause and effect. Celestial systems (planets, asteroids, stars, galaxies, etc.) have their masses and orbits which usually display a high degree of regularity and continuity. So do many geophysical, ecological, and technological processes. Since a variety of causes and effects are operating simultaneously, some of the effects may offset other in certain respects - the rates and results must be studied and measured very carefully to get an accurate sense of their full dynamics. Part of the human condition is governed by cause and effect, in so far as mechanics and energetics govern life processes. Choices and contingencies operate within these parameters, NOT outside them.
Existential aspects of change are indeterminate in their outcomes - things could go a number of different ways. Even in physical processes, there are occasions on which alternate outcomes are probabilistically equivalent, so single occurrences could go either way, and multiples could be distributed approximately evenly. Human choice, which some philosophers find puzzling, occurs because cognitive processing can (1) deal with alternatives, (2) anticipate outcomes, and (3) formulate plans, all of which could lead to different directions of change.
Functionalism consists of processes wherein future results govern current actions - either something or someone is operating according to intention, or a larger purpose is at work that is guiding events. The kinds of "larger purposes" usually implied are either supernatural (God) or systemic (Nature). Intentions are either individual (goals) or institutional (policies). Every change objective is premised on anticipation, so functionalism is the way we control the future.
References
Ronald J. Glossop
William Sheridan©2006
PHILOSOPHY: An Introduction to Its Problems and Vocabulary
Delta Books, New York, 1974