This scientist postulated the existence of “unknown force” above biochemistry and physiology:

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Hans Driesch (1867–1941) proposed a vitalistic principle — an "unknown force" (which he called entelechy) operating above mere biochemistry and physiology.

Relevant knowledge points:
- Vitalism: the historical view that living organisms are governed by a non-physical life force, not reducible to chemistry and physics.
- Entelechy: Driesch’s term for a guiding, organizing principle directing development and form in organisms.
- Experimental embryology: Driesch’s sea urchin blastomere experiments provided the empirical backdrop for his claim.

Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Empirical observation: Driesch separated early sea urchin blastomeres and found each isolated cell could develop into a complete, smaller larva. Mechanistic, mosaic theories of development (where each cell has fixed fate) could not easily account for such regulation.
2. Interpretation: To explain regulative development, Driesch concluded that there must be an organizing principle beyond physical-chemical interactions. He named this immaterial organizing factor "entelechy."
3. Conceptual claim: Driesch thereby explicitly postulated an “unknown force” or non-material principle above biochemistry and physiology — a clear statement of vitalism.
4. Contrast with other figures: Erwin Schrödinger (1887–1961) sought a physical account of life (What Is Life?) using quantum ideas, not vitalistic forces. Niels Bohr (1885–1962) applied complementarity philosophically to life but did not posit an unknown biological force. Sir Arthur Eddington (1882–1944) speculated about mind-matter relations but did not found an experimental vitalism like Driesch’s. Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957) did claim a mysterious "orgone" energy, but his work postdated and differed in nature and is not the classical embryological vitalism referenced here.

Why the correct answer is correct:
Driesch explicitly used experimental embryology to argue for an immaterial organizing force (entelechy) above biochemistry and physiology, matching the phrase “unknown force” in the question.

Conclusion: The correct answer is c. Hans Driesch (1867–1941), as given.

This scientist postulated the existence of “unknown force” above biochemistry and physiology:Single choice

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