animalism

[ an-uh-muh-liz-uh m ]

/ ˈæn ə məˌlɪz əm /

preoccupation with or motivation by sensual, physical, or carnal appetites rather than moral, spiritual, or intellectual forces.

the theory that human beings lack a spiritual nature.

Origin of animalism

First recorded in 1825–35; animal(ize) + -ism

Between God calling from above and animalism from below the poor soul has a hard time of it.

The Ascent of the Soul |Amory H. Bradford
The present, the future, did not exist; only the past lived—lived with all the animalism of a rank growth.

Garrison's Finish |W. B. M. Ferguson
We will therefore define it as relic of animalism remaining in man.

Happiness as Found in Forethought Minus Fearthought |Horace Fletcher
Chu Pa-chieh is a grotesque, even gross, personage, with all the instincts of animalism.

Myths and Legends of China |E. T. C. Werner

Democritus looked to the soul as the ennobling part of man; even beauty, without understanding, partook of animalism.

Fragments of science, V. 1-2 |John Tyndall

animalism

/ (ˈænɪməˌlɪzəm) /

satisfaction of or preoccupation with physical matters; sensuality

the doctrine or belief that man lacks a spiritual nature

a trait or mode of behaviour typical of animals

animalist, noun