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monistic

 - 2 dictionary results

mon⋅ism

  [mon-iz-uhm, moh-niz-uhm]
Use monistic in a Sentence
–noun
1. Philosophy.
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. Compare dualism (def. 2), pluralism (def. 1a).
b. (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.
Origin:
1860–65; < G Monismus. See mon-, -ism

Related forms:
monist, noun
mo⋅nis⋅tic  [muh-nis-tik, moh-] , mo⋅nis⋅ti⋅cal, adjective
mo⋅nis⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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mo·nism   (mō'nĭz'əm, mŏn'ĭz'əm)   
n.   Philosophy

  1. The view in metaphysics that reality is a unified whole and that all existing things can be ascribed to or described by a single concept or system.

  2. The doctrine that mind and matter are formed from, or reducible to, the same ultimate substance or principle of being.

mo'nist n., mo·nis'tic (mō-nĭs'tĭk, mŏ-) adj., mo·nis'ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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