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Dualist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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dualist

[หˆdjuหษ™หŒlษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

philosophy concept

A dualist is someone who believes in dualism, a philosophical view that posits the existence of two fundamental substances or principles, typically the mental and the physical. Dualists argue that the mind and body are distinct entities that interact but are not reducible to one another.

Synonyms

bipartisan, dichotomist.

Examples of usage

  • Descartes is often considered a prominent dualist.
  • Many modern dualists argue against purely physical explanations of consciousness.
  • In discussions of the mind-body problem, dualists maintain a clear separation.
Context #2 | Noun

spiritual belief

In a spiritual context, a dualist may refer to a person who believes in the coexistence of good and evil forces or the spiritual and the material world. This belief often includes the idea that these two realms interact and influence one another.

Synonyms

cosmic dualist, spiritual dualist.

Examples of usage

  • Many ancient religions had dualist beliefs about the battle between good and evil.
  • The dualist approach in spirituality emphasizes the balance between light and darkness.
  • Some modern spiritualists adopt dualist perspectives regarding the material and the ethereal.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers argue that reality consists of two fundamental substances: physical and mental, which influences various philosophical theories today.
  • Renรฉ Descartes is a famous thinker who suggested that the mind and body are different but interact, shaping modern conversation around consciousness.

History

  • Ancient Egyptian religion featured dualism in their belief in the material and spiritual worlds, influencing thoughts on life after death.
  • The concept of duality appears in numerous cultures, with Taoism representing it through yin and yang, balancing opposites.

Science

  • In neuroscience, dualist perspectives explore whether consciousness can exist independently of the physical brain, stirring debates in cognitive science.
  • Studies on split-brain patients provide evidence that the two hemispheres of the brain may function independently, aligning with dualist views.

Literature

  • In literature, dualist themes often explore the conflict between characters' desires and their moral beliefs, such as in Robert Louis Stevensonโ€™s 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.'
  • Dostoevsky's works often delve into the duality of human nature, showcasing the struggle between good and evil within individuals.

Psychology

  • Some psychological theories suggest dualism can lead to better understanding and treatment of mental health issues, separating mind from bodily experiences.
  • Cognitive dissonance, a psychological concept, reflects the tension between conflicting beliefs, echoing dualist themes of opposing forces.

Origin of 'dualist'

The term 'dualist' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the word 'dualism,' which itself appeared earlier in the history of philosophy. The concept of dualism can be traced back to the thoughts of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, but received significant articulation in the works of Renรฉ Descartes, whose mind-body dualism significantly influenced Western philosophy. The prefix 'duo' in Latin means 'two,' reflecting the idea of 'twofoldness' that is central to dualism. This philosophical approach became increasingly popular in both religious context and metaphysical discussions, especially during the Enlightenment period when the nature of consciousness, existence, and the universe were being critically examined.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,485 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.