monism

[ mon-iz-uhm, moh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. Philosophy.
   1. (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. Compare dualism ( def 2 ), pluralism ( def 1a ).
   2. (in epistemology) a theory that the object and datum of cognition are identical. Compare 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.

monism

/ ˈmɒnɪzəm /

noun

1. See idealism, materialism, dualism
   philosophy the doctrine that the person consists of only a single substance, or that there is no crucial difference between mental and physical events or properties Compare dualism See also materialism idealism
2. See pluralism
   philosophy the doctrine that reality consists of an unchanging whole in which change is mere illusion Compare pluralism
3. the epistemological theory that the object and datum of consciousness are identical
4. the attempt to explain anything in terms of one principle only

monism

1. A position in metaphysics that sees only one kind of principle whereas dualism sees two. On the question of whether people's minds are distinct from their bodies, for example, a monist would hold either that mental conditions are essentially physical conditions ( materialism ), or that bodies depend on minds for their existence ( idealism ).

Derived Forms

• ˈmonist, nounadjective
• moˈnistic, adjective
• moˈnistically, adverb

Other Words From

• monist noun
• mo·nis·tic [m, uh, -, nis, -tik, moh-], mo·nisti·cal adjective
• mo·nisti·cal·ly adverb
• non·monist noun
• nonmo·nistic adjective
• nonmo·nisti·cal·ly adverb
• unmo·nistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of monism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; from German Monismus; mon-, -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of monism¹

C19: from Greek monos single + -ism

Example Sentences

I have just been reading your letters again, and beautiful letters they are—also your pregnant little paper on Monism.

From Project Gutenberg

I can understand that of mystical monism shutting its eyes on the concretes of life, for the sake of its abstract rapture.

From Project Gutenberg

Even monism concedes that "it is better being good than bad, better being sane than mad."

From Project Gutenberg

As realism generally coincides with monism, so idealism is usually identical with dualism.

From Project Gutenberg

In my opinion, this antithesis of monism and dualism is the most important in the whole history of philosophy.

From Project Gutenberg