# Optimization Is Teleology

Optimization = Teleology.

This is not an inclusion. This is an equal.

First of all, if you accept teleology then the purpose optimizes e
verything. So it obviously induces an optimization.

Conversely:

An optimization problem consists of two things.

1. The objective function
2. Constraints

An optimization is literally just maximizing or minimizing the obj
ective function with given constraints. For example, you can maxim
ize your sleep (the objective function) while you don't miss out y
our schedules (constraints).

So as you can see, min/maximizing the objective function works as
a purpose. And that's especially teleological if solving an optimi
zation problem is not to optimize something, but to explain and to
induce the results.


A typical example is the principle of least time. It means that a
ray always follows the path which minimizes the traveling time. It
is clearly an optimization problem. And it is not about "how to op
timize", but about "why the results are true". So it induces teleo
logy. Similarily, the principle of least action is an optimization
problem that is to explain the results.

Another example is economics. Surprisingly, economics uses Lagrang
ian too (!). Since economics assumes that people are rational, peo
ple optimize everything. As a result, if you solve any optimizatio
n problem in economics, the solution will be the market equilibriu
m. How magical! So in this case, everything happens to make market
be efficient.

The last example is linguistic economy. It means that people simpl
ify languages as long as it doesn't hurt clarity. It is an optimiz
ation problem in which the objective function is linguistic comple
xity and the constraint is clarity. And it induces teleology. Ever
y linguistic event happens to simplify the language.


OK. But aren't there still optimization problems that are about ho
w to optimize?

In fact, the difference between those two types is just points of
view. For example, you can think the maximizing sleep problem obje
ctively. You can explain your actions as following the biological
purpose. Regardless of points of view, the optimization problems a
re mathematically the same.