the doctrine that life processes arise from or contain a nonmaterial vital principle and cannot be explained entirely as physical and chemical phenomena, a doctrine that a vital force or principle exists in living matter, in contrast to the fundamental physical forces, the belief that there is a force that controls the functioning of living organisms

Formal and Informal Expressions of vitalism

In different contexts, you can replace 'vitalism' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'doctrine, belief' is apt.

vitalism: Explore its Definition & Usage

vitalism Definition

1the doctrine that life processes arise from or contain a nonmaterial vital principle and cannot be explained entirely as physical and chemical phenomena
2a doctrine that a vital force or principle exists in living matter, in contrast to the fundamental physical forces
3the belief that there is a force that controls the functioning of living organisms

Using vitalism: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vitalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Vitalism was once a popular theory in biology.
Example
The vitalism of the human spirit is what keeps us going.
Example
Vitalism is a philosophical approach to understanding life.

Origins of vitalism

from Latin 'vītālis', meaning 'of life'

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Summary: vitalism in Brief

The term 'vitalism' [vahyt-l-iz-uhm] refers to the belief that life processes are controlled by a nonmaterial vital principle, rather than being explained entirely by physical and chemical phenomena. It is a philosophical approach to understanding life and was once a popular theory in biology.