According to vitalism, what is believed to separate living things from inanimate matter?

Vitalism posits that living organisms are fundamentally different from inanimate objects due to the presence of a special life force. This life force, often referred to as "élan vital" or "vital energy," is believed to be an intrinsic quality that confers life and consciousness, distinguishing organisms from non-living matter. Vitalists argue that this force cannot be explained solely through physical or chemical processes, as it encompasses more than just the physical interactions that govern inanimate objects.

In considering the other options, a physical bond does not inherently define life; rather, it can exist in both living and non-living systems. A temporary energy state does not account for the enduring characteristics and functions of living organisms. Similarly, an external influence may affect living things, but it does not provide a fundamental distinction that would explain the essence of life itself. Thus, the belief in a special life force captures the vitalist perspective on what differentiates the realm of the living from the inanimate.