Organicist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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organicist

[ษ”หหˆษกanษชsษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

philosophy

A person who believes that life and living organisms are the result of a vital force or principle distinct from purely chemical or physical forces.

Examples of usage

  • The organicist argued that life could not be fully explained by chemistry alone.
  • As an organicist, he rejected the idea of life arising from purely materialistic processes.
Context #2 | Noun

art

An art movement that emphasizes the importance of organic forms and structures in art and design.

Examples of usage

  • The paintings of the organicist movement often feature flowing lines and natural shapes.
  • She was heavily influenced by organicist principles in her architectural designs.
Context #3 | Noun

biology

A biologist who studies the interrelationships between organisms and their environment.

Examples of usage

  • The organicist conducted field research to understand the complex ecosystems of the rainforest.
  • Organicists play a crucial role in studying the connections between different species in an ecosystem.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Organicists advocate for the study of ecosystems as interconnected webs rather than isolated parts.
  • The perspective emphasizes the role of biodiversity, which is crucial for ecological resilience and health.
  • Research in organicist philosophy has contributed to environmental movements that stress the importance of sustainable living.

Philosophy

  • Organicism counters reductionism, which breaks things down to their smallest parts without considering their relationships.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle have been early proponents of organicist perspectives, suggesting that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
  • Contemporary organicist thought often integrates ecological ethics, advocating for a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Cultural Impact

  • In art, organicists celebrate natural materials and forms, influencing movements like organic architecture and biomimicry.
  • The organicist approach in agriculture promotes methods that sustain health and biodiversity, leading to the organic farming movement.
  • Literature often explores themes of interconnectedness and nature's role in human existence, influenced by organicist concepts.

Psychology

  • Some psychologists explore how organicist principles can inform our understanding of human behavior and society's relationship with the environment.
  • Therapeutic practices sometimes embrace nature's role in psychological well-being, aligning with organicist beliefs.
  • Research indicates that exposure to nature can enhance mental health, supporting the organicist view of interconnectedness in life.

Origin of 'organicist'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'organicist' is derived from 'organic,' which comes from the Greek word 'organikos', meaning 'of or relating to an organ or instrument.'
  • Originally, organicism was used in philosophy to describe the view that parts of a whole are interconnected, like the parts of a living organism.
  • The concept gained prominence in the 19th century with the development of biology and ecology, where 'organic' referred to systems of life.

The term 'organicist' originated in the mid-19th century, combining the word 'organic' with the suffix '-ist' to denote a believer in organic principles or systems. In philosophy, it was used to describe those who rejected purely mechanistic or materialistic explanations for life. In art, it became associated with a movement that valued natural forms and structures over artificial or geometric ones. In biology, organicists focus on the holistic study of living organisms within their environments, emphasizing interconnectedness and interdependence.


See also: inorganic, organically.