The Problem of Goal-Setting

The article substantiates understanding of the goal-setting phenomenon in the living world as an evolutionary consequence of the fundamental physicochemical laws of nature. The living nature, unlike inert nature, exists only in a non-equilibrium state using the energy coming from outside. It is structurally heterogeneous and therefore reacts to external influences in a directed manner. This trinity of its properties (non-equilibrium, heterogeneity, directedness) determines the goal-setting phenomenon. Thus, goal-setting as a cognitive act is a multi-stage finale of directed physical and chemical processes. Examples of such directed processes and actions in the animal kingdom are given. Analysis of the proposed model makes it possible to outline possible ways and difficulties in comparing two phenomena: goal-setting and directedness, determined by the trinity of properties.