Dichotomist: meaning, definitions and examples
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dichotomist
[ daɪˈkɒtəˌmɪst ]
philosophy, psychology
A dichotomist is a person who believes in or emphasizes the division of things into two distinct, often opposing categories. This concept is often used in various fields such as philosophy and psychology to illustrate how people simplify complex situations by categorizing them into black and white, yes and no, or good and evil.
Synonyms
binarist, dualistic thinker, polarizer
Examples of usage
- The dichotomist viewed the debate as a simple choice between two extremes.
- In psychology, a dichotomist perspective can oversimplify human emotions.
- Many dichotomists struggle to see the grey areas of any argument.
Etymology
The term 'dichotomist' derives from the Greek word 'dichotomos', which means 'cut in two'. The prefix 'di-' signifies 'two', while 'chotom' relates to 'to cut'. Tracing its use back to the 16th century, the word evolved in various disciplines, particularly in philosophy, to denote those who see the world in terms of absolute binaries. Throughout the centuries, dichotomous thinking has been criticized for oversimplifying complex issues. As societies have become more diverse and multifaceted, the dichotomist viewpoint is often seen as limiting, prompting discussions on more nuanced ways of thinking that embrace ambiguity and complexity.