What is the origin of the concept of Vitalism?

Vitalism is the philosophical doctrine that attributes the phenomena of life to a vital principle distinct from biochemical processes. The concept of Vitalism posits that living organisms are fundamentally different from inanimate objects and cannot be fully understood through physical or chemical laws alone.

The origin of this concept is closely related to substance dualism, which is the idea that there are two kinds of reality: physical (material) and non-physical (spiritual or mental). This dualistic perspective allows for the existence of a non-material essence that governs life processes, aligning closely with the principles of Vitalism. From this viewpoint, life cannot be reduced solely to its material components; it requires an additional ‘vital force’ that supports growth, development, and life functions, thus distinguishing living beings from non-living matter.

The other choices do not align with the essence of Vitalism. Materialism does not accommodate any distinction between physical and non-physical realities, whereas transcendentalism involves the transcendence of experience to capture a greater truth beyond material forms, but does not inherently support the Vitalist perspective. Idealism focuses on the nature of reality being mentally constructed, which also does not directly relate to the notion of a vital force central to Vitalism.

Therefore,