hylozoism

American  

[hahy-luh-zoh-iz-uhm] / ˌhaɪ ləˈzoʊ ɪz əm /

noun

Philosophy.

1. the doctrine that matter is inseparable from life, which is a property of matter.

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hylozoism British  

/ ˌhaɪləˈzəʊɪzəm /

noun

1. the philosophical doctrine that life is one of the properties of matter

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Other Word Forms

• hylozoic adjective
• hylozoist noun
• hylozoistic adjective
• hylozoistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of hylozoism

1670–80; hylo- + zo- (stem of Greek zōḗ ) life + -ism

Example Sentences

The latest biological and embryological theories are invoked to help in the comment on the hylozoism of the seven sages and the mysticism of the early Christians.

From The Forerunners by Rolland, Romain

Paracelsus and Gilbert both felt in the direction of hylozoism, or the theory of the animation of all things.

From The Age of the Reformation by Smith, Preserved

Now it is true that in his general belief Newton himself is not free from hylozoism.

From The Approach to Philosophy by Perry, Ralph Barton

The ancient hylozoism, the monadism of Leibnitz, and the recent panpsychism of M. Strong are only different forms of the same doctrine.

From The Mind and the Brain Being the Authorised Translation of L'Âme et le Corps by Binet, Alfred

The Christian Scientist, in funereal, impressive black, discussed the contra-will and pan-psychic hylozoism.

From The Octopus : A story of California by Norris, Frank