Meaning & use
monism
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Meanings
noununcountabletechnical
The philosophical view that reality is fundamentally one kind of thing, not two or more.
Grammar: Usually uncountable; can be used with 'a' when referring to a type.
Patterns
- monism holds that
- a form of monism
- monism vs dualism
Monism holds that mind and matter are ultimately the same substance.
Spinoza's philosophy is often described as a form of monism.
The debate between monism and dualism has a long history.
noununcountabletechnicalreligion
In religion, the belief that the divine and the world are one unified reality.
Grammar: Often used in religious contexts.
Patterns
- religious monism
- monism in Hinduism
Some forms of Hinduism teach a religious monism.
The mystics advocated a monism that sees God in all things.
Common combinations
- philosophical monism
- Philosophical monism challenges the idea of a separate mind and body.
- materialist monism
- Materialist monism claims that only physical matter exists.
- neutral monism
- Neutral monism suggests that both mind and matter are made of a third, neutral substance.
Synonyms and how they differ
Opposites
Word family
- monist noun
- A person who believes in monism.
- monistic adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of monism.
Commonly confused: monism or monotheism?
monism vs monotheism
Belief in one god, not the same as monism, which is about the nature of reality.
Practice
What does 'monism' refer to?
Choose one answer.
'Monism' is the philosophical view that reality is one substance or principle. 'Monotheism' (option A) is about one god; 'monogamy' (C) is about marriage; 'microbiology' (D) is about organisms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “monism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.