vitalism

• Doutrina filosófica e científica segundo a qual os fenômenos da vida se devem a um princípio vital distinto das forças puramente físicas e químicas. Também se refere à crença na existência de uma força vital ou princípio vital que anima os seres vivos.

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

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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.

   Doutrina filosófica

   • 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.