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Hans DrieschGerman biologist, founder of neovitalism
Date of Birth: 28.10.1867
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Hans Driesch: Founder of Neovitalism
- Scientific Career
- Research on Regeneration and Reproduction
- Law of Embryonic Development
- Concept of Entelechy
- Publications and Legacy
- Later Life and Death
Hans Driesch: Founder of Neovitalism
Early Life and EducationHans Driesch was born on October 28, 1867, in Kreuznach, Germany. He studied biology at the University of Heidelberg and obtained his doctorate in 1889.
Scientific Career
Founder of NeovitalismDriesch was a prominent figure in the field of biology and is renowned as the founder of neovitalism, a philosophy that emphasizes the existence of a non-physical, vital force in living organisms.
Research on Regeneration and Reproduction
Driesch conducted extensive research on the processes of regeneration and reproduction in animals. His experiments on sea urchin embryos demonstrated that the fate of each part of the embryo is not predetermined but rather depends on its position within the developing organism.
Law of Embryonic Development
Based on his observations, Driesch formulated a law of embryonic development, which states that the dynamics of development of any part of the embryo are influenced by its position within the whole organism.
Concept of Entelechy
Driesch proposed the concept of "entelechy" as a vital force that guides the development and existence of living organisms. He believed that entelechy determines the course of development by selecting from all possible developmental pathways.
Publications and Legacy
Driesch published numerous influential works, including:Philosophie des Organischen(1909)
Vitalismus, seine Geschichte und System(1915)
Leib und Seele(1923)
Der Mensch und der Welt(1928)
The Science and Philosiphy of the Organism(1929)
Parapsychologie(1952)
His ideas on neovitalism were highly influential in the early 20th century and continue to be discussed and debated today.
Later Life and Death
Driesch served as a professor of philosophy at the University of Leipzig from 1909 until his retirement in 1933. He passed away in Leipzig on April 16, 1941.
