The belief that natural phenomena are governed by a life force outside the realm of physical and chemical laws.

(philosophy) a doctrine that life is a vital principle distinct from physics and chemistry

A doctrine teaching that life is caused and sustained by a vital principle distinct from all physical and chemical forces. Vitalism says that life is, at least in part, self-determining and self-evolving.

The concept that the functions of an organism are due to a "vital principle" or "life force" distinct from the physical forces explainable by the laws of physics and chemistry. Chiropractors refer to that force as "Innate Intelligence." "

the idea that life processes have a component entirely separate from the constraints of the laws of natural science.

Doctrine that life in living organisms is caused and sustained by a vital force distinct from physical and mental forces and is self-determining and self-evolving.