organismism

Organismism is a philosophical and methodological framework that treats organisms—whether unicellular or multicellular—as the central units of life and, in many formulations, of knowledge and value. Proponents argue that the organism is the primary source of biological integrity, behavior, and development, and that studying parts in isolation risks missing essential properties that only arise from integrated organization.

Core tenets include holism about biological systems, emphasis on emergent properties, and a commitment to organism-level causation. Downward and upward causation are acknowledged: environmental factors influence an organism, while the organism reshapes its niche. While not rejecting molecular detail, Organismism argues that explanations should be grounded in organismal organization and function before decomposing into parts. Some versions avoid teleology, instead describing purposive-like processes as normative patterns of organization rather than intrinsic aims.

Ethically, Organismism extends moral considerability to organisms based on their complexity and organizational unity, supporting ecosystem protection and animal welfare grounded in organismal integrity. In science and medicine, it guides research priorities toward whole-organism outcomes, including development, health, and reproduction, and fosters integrative approaches in ecology, physiology, and developmental biology.

History and reception: Organismism emerged as a reaction to strict reductionism and certain mechanistic models, drawing on holism and systems thinking. Critics argue that excessive emphasis on the organism can overlook molecular mechanisms, while supporters claim it provides a unifying framework for biology, ethics, and environmental policy. The term remains contested and is used variably across disciplines.

See also: holism; systems theory; vitalism; organ-level theory; ecological ethics.