Spiritism is a philosophical doctrine established in France in the mid 19th Century by the French educator Hippolyte Léon Denizard Rivail, under the pseudonym Allan Kardec, which has also evolved into various forms of religious practice, among them some forms of syncretism that are often referred to by the same name.

Spiritism was based on dialogues established between Kardec and what he believed to be incorporeal beings (souls of deceased people). His assumption was neither original nor uncommon, as such beliefs had numerous followers then (among them many scientists and philosophers) and séances were carried on very often by his contemporaries, though usually for recreational purposes.

The term was coined by Kardec as the specific name of the doctrine but -- given the fact that the word was created from roots taken from the common language -- it was soon incorporated into normal use and used for other doctrines as well, though the original Spiritists protest this usage.

Spiritism claims adherents many countries throughout the world, including many in Latin America, particularly Brazil (where they make up approximately 1.3% of the population, most likely the highest proportion of any country).

Spiritism is not to be confused with Spiritualism. Its conflation or linkage with the meaning is regarded as pejorative by both Spiritualists and Spiritists. Spiritualism (in English), as a common noun (uncapitalised) is a largely obsolete term for animism and other religious practices involving the invocation of spiritual beings, including shamanism. As a proper noun, Spiritualism is a religious movement, prominent from the 1840s to the 1920s, found primarily in English-speaking countries.