Vitalism

Vitalism “Life forces” are active in living organisms. “Life forces” are active in living organisms. These “life forces” are different from the mechanisms or physical forces explainable by the laws of chemistry and physics. These “life forces” are different from the mechanisms or physical forces explainable by the laws of chemistry and physics.

Vitalists Vitalists believe that living organisms are different from non- living things because they contain some non-physical element or they are governed by different principles than that of inanimate objects. Vitalists believe that living organisms are different from non- living things because they contain some non-physical element or they are governed by different principles than that of inanimate objects.

Theory behind Vitalism That there is some force that makes living things alive That there is some force that makes living things alive A “vital spark” or energy, which some people call the soul. A “vital spark” or energy, which some people call the soul.

Medical Philosophies The most alternative healing practices believed that diseases are the result of an imbalance in the vital energies which distinguish living from non-living matter. The most alternative healing practices believed that diseases are the result of an imbalance in the vital energies which distinguish living from non-living matter.

Modern Vitalism A holistic approach to the cause and treatment of disease. A holistic approach to the cause and treatment of disease. Acupuncture Acupuncture Chiropractic Chiropractic Homeopathy Homeopathy Naturopathy Naturopathy

Vitalism in Cells In the biology of a cell, Vitalism is a proposal which states that life is an emergent process In the biology of a cell, Vitalism is a proposal which states that life is an emergent process Life cannot be described by simply understanding a number of chemical processes that occur in the cell. Life cannot be described by simply understanding a number of chemical processes that occur in the cell.

The Acceptance of Vitalism 20 th century scientists and historians often dismissed Vitalism as basically obsolete and even consider it unscientific. 20 th century scientists and historians often dismissed Vitalism as basically obsolete and even consider it unscientific. It is a theory to explain the circumstances in which no physical evidence can be provided. It is a theory to explain the circumstances in which no physical evidence can be provided.