hylozoism
Definition
Noun (Philosophy): Hylozoism is the doctrine or philosophical theory that all matter possesses life, consciousness, or some form of vitality. It posits that life is an inherent property of matter itself, rather than being added by a separate force or spirit.
Usage Examples
- (Thales thought that even inanimate objects contain a life principle.)
- (The theory argues that life is not an external addition but a fundamental quality of matter.)
- (The idea that everything in nature is alive influences ethical views on conservation.)
Advanced Usage
- "Hylozoistic" (adj): relating to or characteristic of hylozoism.
- The hylozoistic worldview sees a rock as a living entity, not merely a mineral. (The perspective treats all physical objects as alive.)
- "Hylozoist" (n): a person who holds the theory of hylozoism.
- A hylozoist might argue that the universe itself is a living organism. (The person believes in the universal vitality of matter.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hylozoic (adj): of or relating to hylozoism.
- The hylozoic conception of nature was common in pre-Socratic philosophy. (The idea that matter is alive was widespread in early Greek thought.)
- Hylozoist (n): a proponent of hylozoism.
- As a hylozoist, she rejected the idea of a dead, mechanical universe. (She believed that all matter has life.)
Synonyms
- Panpsychism: the view that mind or consciousness is a universal feature of all things. (Often used interchangeably, though panpsychism emphasizes mind, while hylozoism emphasizes life.)
- Vitalism: the theory that life arises from a non-material vital principle. (Distinct: vitalism separates life from matter; hylozoism merges them.)
Related Idioms
- There are no common idioms directly related to , as it is a technical philosophical term. However, the idea is sometimes expressed in the phrase "the living universe".
- Some poets describe the cosmos as a living universe, echoing hylozoism. (The poetic image aligns with the philosophical theory.)