vitalism

• Doctrine philosophique et scientifique selon laquelle les phénomènes vitaux ne peuvent être entièrement expliqués par les lois physico-chimiques et dépendent d'un principe vital propre aux organismes vivants.

A philosophical and scientific doctrine holding that life originates from a vital principle distinct from purely physical or chemical forces.

indénombrable

1. Philosophical doctrineC1formalscientific

   The theory that life processes are not explicable by the laws of physics and chemistry alone and that life is in some part self-determining.

   Vitalisme

   • Vitalism was a dominant theory in biology before the 20th century.
   • The decline of vitalism began with the synthesis of urea from inorganic compounds.
   • Some alternative medicine practices are based on principles of vitalism.