dualism

noun du·al·ism \ ˈdü-ə-ˌli-zəm also ˈdyü- \

Definition of dualism

1 : a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes

2 : the quality or state of being dual or of having a dual nature

3 a : a doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil

b : a view of human beings as constituted of two irreducible elements (such as matter and spirit)

—

dualist

play \-list\ noun

—

dualistic

play \ˌdü-ə-ˈlis-tik, ˌdyü-\ adjective

—

dualistically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See dualism defined for English-language learners

Examples of dualism in a Sentence

the dualism of human nature
the dualism of good and evil

Recent Examples of dualism from the Web

The exhibition’s lineup includes Theo Chin, Anneli Goeller, Jillian Musielak and Amanda VanValkenburg; each arrive in the space with practices already textured with dualism.

— kt hawbaker, chicagotribune.com, "Crossing the Paseo and the globe in one historic exhibition; New A/V gallery plugs into a two-part show," 13 Dec. 2017
The philosophy teaches non-dualism, the idea that there are no substantial differences between individual elements of the physical and spiritual worlds.

— National Geographic, "Beyond Yoga: Explore Life Inside a Hindu Spiritual Center," 8 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dualism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dualism

1794

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

DUALISM Defined for English Language Learners

dualism

noun

Definition of dualism for English Language Learners

philosophy : the idea or belief that everything has two opposite parts or principles
: the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements

Medical Dictionary

dualism

noun du·al·ism \ ˈd(y)ü-ə-ˌliz-əm \

medical Definition of dualism

1 : a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes (as mind and matter)

2 : a theory in hematology holding that the blood cells arise from two kinds of stem cells one of which yields lymphatic elements and the other myeloid elements

—