Dualist: meaning, definitions and examples

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dualist

[ˈdjuːəˌlɪst ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Many philosophers argue that reality consists of two fundamental substances: physical and mental, which influences various philosophical theories today.
René 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 Stevenson’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "dualist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dualista

🇮🇳 द्वैतवादी

🇩🇪 Dualist

🇮🇩 dualistik

🇺🇦 дуаліст

🇵🇱 dualista

🇯🇵 二元論者

🇫🇷 dualisme

🇪🇸 dualista

🇹🇷 ikili

🇰🇷 이원론자

🇸🇦 ثنائي

🇨🇿 dualista

🇸🇰 dualista

🇨🇳 二元论者

🇸🇮 dualista

🇮🇸 tvíhyggja

🇰🇿 дуалист

🇬🇪 დუალისტი

🇦🇿 dualizm

🇲🇽 dualista

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.

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31482 reformism
31483 commendatory
31484 supremacist
31485 dualist
31486 kinetically
31487 luckier
31488 unfixed
...