organicism

[ awr-gan-uh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. Philosophy. the view that some systems resemble organisms in having parts that function in relation to the whole to which they belong. Compare holism ( def 1 ).
2. Pathology. the doctrine that all symptoms arise from organic disease.
3. a view of society as an autonomous entity analogous to and following the same developmental pattern as a biological organism.

organicism

/ ɔːˈɡænɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory that the functioning of living organisms is determined by the working together of all organs as an integrated system
2. the theory that all symptoms are caused by organic disease
3. the theory that each organ of the body has its own peculiar constitution

Derived Forms

• orˌganiˈcistic, adjective
• orˈganicist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• or·gani·cismal or·gani·cistic adjective
• or·gani·cist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of organicism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; organic + -ism