vitalism

/vahyt-l-iz-uhm/US // ˈvaɪt lˌɪz əm //UK // (ˈvaɪtəˌlɪzəm) //

生命主义,生命论,生机主义,生命力论

Definitions

1
- : the doctrine that phenomena are only partly controlled by mechanical forces, and are in some measure self-determining.Compare dynamism, mechanism.
- : Biology. a doctrine that ascribes the functions of a living organism to a vital principle distinct from chemical and physical forces.

This modern vitalism comprises two essentially different tendencies.
Once 'mechanism' and 'vitalism' were mutually contradictory theories regarding the ultimate constitution of living bodies.
This vitalism prevailed until about the middle of the nineteenth century.
Now, in Spencer, evolution gave us a vitalist mechanic or mechanical vitalism, and the appeal seemed cut off.
In this way physiology of development would lead us straight on into vitalism.