An organism is a living body, e.g. an animal or a plant, which consists of various parts, each one of which exists upon the proper functioning of the other parts as well as of the whole. The characteristics of un organism are (i) a union of body and soul, i.e., of material elements and vital forces, (ii) an organic and interdependent unity of each part or member to the whole, (iii) each part or member has its special functions, but they sub serve the common needs of the whole; the functions of a part are for the good of the whole, e.g., the hand or liver works for the common needs and purposes of the whole body, and (iv) the power of growth.
Description of the Organic Theory:
The Organismic Theorists assert that the State has the same i haracteristics as a living organism has. The State is a living organism of which the individuals are the cells or parts The State has common purposes and ends which the individuals sub serve by their individual capacities. The individual exists only in the State. His existence depends upon the State. 1-ike an organism, the State also grows from simple to more complex forms, by division of labour and specialisation of functions.
The advocates of the organic theory hold that there is a striking resemblance, ‘even identity, between the State and animal organisms in every respect, such as in origin, structure, and functions. (1) Origin. Both the animal and social bodies begin as germs or simple organisms but in course of time they develop into complex structures; thus both grow from simple to complex structures. (2) Structure. Both the animal and social organisms have parallel structure or organization. The digestive system is the sustaining system in animals. The industrial system is the digestive system of the State.
The circulatory system of the blood is the distributory system of the animals, while the same function is performed by the transportation system in the body politic. The nerves and brain are the regulatory system in animals, while the government performs the regulatory function in the State. The Swiss writer, Bluntschli, went a step further and said that like the animals, the State has also sex. The State has masculine, while the Church has feminine qualities. (3) Functions. The most significant and fruitful implication of the Organic theory is found in respect of functions. All the different parts and organs of a living organism perform their functions in relation to the common needs of the whole organism; none of them can exist without the whole. The same co-existence is found in the body politic. Just as the hands and feet are parts of the human body, so the individuals are the parts of the body politic “As it is impossible to consider that the hand has separate existence from that of the body, so it is impossible to divorce the individual from society” The individual exists in the State and the State exists in the individual.