Dualism: meaning, definitions and examples
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dualism
[ ˈdjuː.əl.ɪ.zəm ]
philosophical concept
Dualism is a philosophical concept that posits the existence of two fundamental substances or realities, often referred to as the mind and body, or the spiritual and the physical. It suggests that these two realms are distinct and interact in various ways, raising questions about the nature of consciousness and the relationship between mental and physical states.
Synonyms
bipartition, dichotomy, duality.
Examples of usage
- The mind-body dualism debate has influenced modern psychology.
- Many religious traditions adopt a form of dualism in their teachings.
- In philosophy, dualism raises questions about free will and determinism.
Translations
Translations of the word "dualism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dualismo
🇮🇳 द्वैतवाद
🇩🇪 Dualismus
🇮🇩 dualism
🇺🇦 двоїстість
🇵🇱 dualizm
🇯🇵 二元論
🇫🇷 dualisme
🇪🇸 dualismo
🇹🇷 ikilik
🇰🇷 이원론
🇸🇦 ثنائية
🇨🇿 dualismus
🇸🇰 dualizmus
🇨🇳 二元论
🇸🇮 dualizem
🇮🇸 tvíhyggja
🇰🇿 екіұштылық
🇬🇪 დუალიზმი
🇦🇿 ikiliq
🇲🇽 dualismo
Etymology
The term 'dualism' derives from the Latin word 'dualis,' which means 'composed of two parts.' Its philosophical roots can be traced back to ancient thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle, who discussed the nature of the mind and body in their works. However, it was during the 17th century that dualism gained prominence with René Descartes, who famously argued for a clear distinction between the mind (res cogitans) and the body (res extensa). This Cartesian dualism sparked significant debates in philosophy, psychology, and theology, influencing various fields of study. Over the centuries, dualism has evolved and taken on different forms, leading to discussions around its implications for free will, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Today, dualism continues to be a central topic in philosophy of mind and cognitive science, challenging scholars to reconcile the interplay between physical processes and mental experiences.