Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Monism and Dualism?

Guilherme Mazui

•4 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Monism and Dualism?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Monism and dualism are philosophical concepts that differ in their understanding of the relationship between the mind and the body, as well as the nature of reality. Here are the main differences between the two:

  1. Oneness vs. Two-ness: Monism deals with the oneness of existence, advocating that everything in the universe is created from a singular reality, and that the fundamental character of the universe is unity. Dualism, on the other hand, believes in the existence of two mutually irreducible substances, such as the mind and the body.
  2. Mind-Body Relationship: In monism, the mind and the body are considered to be the same thing, and they cannot be separated. In dualism, the mind and the body are considered to be separate entities that interact with each other.
  3. Reality: Monism advocates that the universe is real and is the only true existence, while dualism believes that both the universe and the Supreme Soul or God are real and permanent.
  4. Individual Soul and Supreme Soul: In monism, the individual soul is believed to be as divine and powerful as the Supreme Soul, and serving an individual soul is considered to be as good as serving the Supreme Soul. In dualism, the Supreme Soul is considered to be much more divine and powerful than individual souls, and serving individual souls does not amount to serving the Supreme Soul.
  5. Connection vs. Separation: Monism is the stance that fixates sameness and connections, and denies differences and boundaries. Dualism, on the other hand, denies sameness and connections, and fixates differences and boundaries.

In summary, monism emphasizes the oneness and unity of existence, while dualism focuses on the separation and distinction between different entities, such as the mind and the body.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Monism and Dualism?
  • Comparative Table: Monism vs Dualism

    • Comparative Table: Monism vs Dualism

    Monism and dualism are two opposing philosophical stances that concern the nature of reality and the relationship between mind and matter. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

    Monism Dualism
    Monism posits that there is only one fundamental kind, category, or principle in the universe. Dualism posits that there are two fundamental kinds or categories of things or principles in the universe.
    Monism denies the existence of separate substances, such as matter and mind, and focuses on the interconnectedness and unity of all things. Dualism maintains that matter and mind are distinct substances, and it emphasizes the differences and boundaries between them.
    Within monism, there are various forms, such as materialism (the view that only physical stuff exists) and dual-aspect monism (the view that mind and matter are opposite sides of the same coin). Dualism can be further divided into substance dualism (the view that mind and body are distinct substances) and property dualism (the view that mental and physical properties are distinct).
    Monism is supported by the principle of Occam's Razor, which advocates for the simplest available explanation for any phenomenon. Dualism faces challenges in establishing the irreducibility of sensory qualities to physical phenomena.

    In summary, monism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of all things, while dualism is a stance that highlights the differences and boundaries between distinct substances, such as matter and mind.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.