monism

monism
—monist, n. —monistic /meuh nis"tik, moh-/, monistical, adj. —monistically, adv.
/mon"iz euhm, moh"niz euhm/, n.
1. Philos.
a. (in metaphysics) any of various theories holding that there is only one basic substance or principle as the ground of reality, or that reality consists of a single element. Cf. dualism (def. 2), pluralism (def. 1a).
b. (in epistemology) a theory that the object and datum of cognition are identical. Cf. pluralism (def. 1b).
2. the reduction of all processes, structures, concepts, etc., to a single governing principle; the theoretical explanation of everything in terms of one principle.
3. the conception that there is one causal factor in history; the notion of a single element as primary determinant of behavior, social action, or institutional relations.
[1860-65; < G Monismus. See MON-, -ISM]

* * *

In metaphysics, the doctrine that the world is essentially one substance or contains only one kind of substance.

Monism is opposed both to dualism and to pluralism. Examples of monism include materialism, pantheism, and metaphysical idealism. See also Benedict de Spinoza.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Monism — • A philosophical term which, in its various meanings, is opposed to Dualism or Pluralism Catholic Encyclopedia. Kevin Knight. 2006. Monism     Monism      …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • Monism — is any philosophical view which holds that there is unity in a given field of inquiry. Accordingly, some philosophers may hold that the universe is one rather than dualistic or pluralistic. Monisms may be theologically syncretic by proposing that …   Wikipedia

  • Monism — Mon ism (m[o^]n [i^]z m or m[=o] n[i^]z m), n. [From Gr. mo nos single.] 1. (Metaph.) That doctrine which refers all phenomena to a single ultimate constituent or agent; the opposite of {dualism}. [1913 Webster] Note: The doctrine has been held… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • monism — MONÍSM s.n. Concepţie filosofică potrivit căreia la baza tuturor fenomenelor lumii s ar afla un singur principiu, fie material, fie spiritual; p. gener. orice concepţie care explică printr un singur principiu multitudinea fenomenelor dintr un… …   Dicționar Român

  • monism — finds one where dualism finds two. Physicalism is the doctrine that everything that exists is physical, and is a monism contrasted with mind–body dualism; absolute idealism is the doctrine that the only reality consists in modifications of the… …   Philosophy dictionary

  • monism — (n.) the philosophical doctrine that there is only one principle, 1862, from Mod.L. monismus, from Gk. monos alone (see MONO (Cf. mono )). First used in German by German philosopher Baron Christian von Wolff (1679 1754) …   Etymology dictionary

  • monism — [mō′niz΄əm, män′iz΄əm] n. [ModL monismus < Gr monos, single: see MONO ] Philos. 1. the doctrine that there is only one ultimate substance or principle, whether mind (idealism), matter ( materialism), or some third thing that is the basis of… …   English World dictionary

  • monism — Monogenesis Mon o*gen e*sis, n. [Mono + genesis.] 1. Oneness of origin; esp. (Biol.), development of all beings in the universe from a single cell; opposed to {polygenesis}. Called also {monism}. Dana. Haeckel. [1913 Webster] 2. (Biol.) That form …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Monism — the metaphysical and theological view that there is only one principle, essence, substance or energy. Monism is to be distinguished from dualism, which holds that ultimately there are two principles, and from pluralism, which holds that… …   Mini philosophy glossary

  • Monism and dualism in international law — The terms monism and dualism are used to describe two different theories of the relationship between international law and national law. Contents 1 Monism 2 Dualism 3 Examples 4 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”