ABSTRACT I introduce a newly identified form of power: telic power. While deontic power is a key concept in social ontology, it is too narrow to capture a central dimension of the social world. I introduce and define the previously overlooked concept of telic power, offering two justifications for this new concept. First, it captures a distinct and central dimension of the social world that has previously been neglected due to the one-sided use of examples and a consequent emphasis on deontic power. Second, it is theoretically useful because telic power can both conflict with and reinforce our deontic powers.

Telic power captures a central dimension of the social world and can both conflict with and reinforce deontic powers, offering a new perspective on social ontology.

Telic power and its applications

Key Takeaway: Telic power captures a central dimension of the social world and can both conflict with and reinforce deontic powers, offering a new perspective on social ontology.