mechanist

A mechanist is a person who adheres to mechanism, a philosophical position that natural phenomena are best explained in terms of mechanical interactions of matter and motion, governed by physical laws. The term also denotes someone who builds, studies, or works with machines. In philosophy, mechanists seek to reduce complex processes to the interactions of simpler components, typically at the level of physics or chemistry, and to explain functions and behaviors in terms of mechanical causes rather than vital forces or purposes. The mechanist stance is often contrasted with vitalism or teleology, which posit non-physical forces or purposes as explanatory.

Historically, mechanist thought emerged during the scientific revolution and became closely tied to the development of the mechanical philosophy. Figures such as René Descartes argued that natural phenomena could be explained by the movement of matter and the laws of motion, while later scientists like Isaac Newton extended this program to a broad range of natural processes. In biology and physiology, mechanistic explanations describe how organs and organisms operate through physical processes, such as nerve impulses, muscle contraction, or metabolic pathways, rather than invoking final causes.

In modern usage, mechanist can refer to someone who designs or works with machines, such as engineers or machinists, or more broadly to a person who favors mechanical explanations in science or technology. The term may appear in historical or critical discussions of science, technology, and culture.