vitalismo

Vitalismo, also known as vitalism, is a philosophical and scientific position that emphasizes the importance of a non-physical, vital principle or force in living organisms. This concept was prominent in the 19th century, particularly in the works of scientists like Jean-Baptiste Lamarck and Charles Darwin, as well as philosophers like Henri Bergson.

The vital principle is often described as a life force or animating force that distinguishes living organisms from non-living matter. Vitalists argued that this principle could not be explained by the laws of physics and chemistry alone, and that it played a crucial role in the development and functioning of living beings.

Lamarck proposed that the vital principle could be inherited, leading to the inheritance of acquired characteristics. This idea was later refuted by Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection, which explained inheritance through the transmission of genetic information.

Bergson, on the other hand, developed the concept of élan vital, or creative energy, which he saw as the driving force behind the development of consciousness and individuality. This concept influenced later philosophers and thinkers, including Martin Heidegger and Maurice Merleau-Ponty.

Vitalismo has had a significant impact on various fields, including biology, philosophy, and psychology. However, it has largely been superseded by modern scientific theories that focus on the physical and chemical processes underlying life. Today, vitalism is primarily of historical interest, although some contemporary thinkers continue to explore the idea of a non-physical aspect of life.