dualism

noun

du·​al·​ism ˈdü-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce dualism (audio)
 also  ˈdyü-
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
ˈdü-ə-list How to pronounce dualism (audio)
ˈdyü-
noun
dualistic adjective
dualistically adverb

Examples of dualism in a Sentence

the dualism of human nature the dualism of good and evil
Recent Examples on the Web Because of this premise, IIT does not fall neatly into any of the traditional philosophical theories of mind, such as materialism, dualism, idealism, or panpsychism. Lindsey Laughlin, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024 This major step towards potential religious dualism was stymied by British and National Congress opposition. Nahal Sheikh, JSTOR Daily, 15 May 2024 And soon enough, a much churchier view — Cartesian dualism — emerged. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 4 June 2024 Her magically vibrant and simultaneously mournful and vulnerable painting expresses the dualism at the heart of her vision — and perhaps at the heart of existence itself. Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dualism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dualism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dualism was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near dualism

Cite this Entry

“Dualism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dualism. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dualism

noun
du·​al·​ism ˈd(y)ü-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce dualism (audio)
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
dualist noun
dualistic adjective

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