1. Philosophers or scientists who believe that all natural phenomena can be explained by mechanical processes and the laws of physics, without reference to purpose or design
The mechanicists of the 17th century sought to explain the universe through purely mechanical principles.
Os mecanicistas do século XVII procuravam explicar o universo através de princípios puramente mecânicos.
2. Proponents of mechanism as a philosophical doctrine
Mechanicists argue that biological processes are ultimately reducible to physical and chemical mechanisms.
Os mecanicistas argumentam que os processos biológicos são fundamentalmente reduzíveis a mecanismos físicos e químicos.