dualism
UK[ˈdjuːəlɪzəm]US[ˈduːəlɪzəm]
n
the division of something conceptually into two opposed or contrasted aspects, or the state of being so divided.
n
the religious or philosophical doctrine that the universe contains or is a conflict between two opposed principles, such as good and evil.
Morpheme Breakdown
dual
ism
dual
two
ism
doctrine or system
Etymology
the term 'dualism' is a relatively modern philosophical construction, emerging in english in the late 18th century. it is built directly upon the latin root dualis, meaning 'of two', which itself derives from the proto-indo-European root dwo-, the fundamental source for the concept of 'two' across many languages. the suffix -ism, borrowed from greek via latin, systematically forms nouns denoting distinctive systems of belief or practice. therefore, 'dualism' logically names any doctrine or framework that posits a fundamental, often oppositional, duality—such as mind versus body or good versus evil—as a central organizing principle of reality.
Analysis
Structure: dual (two) + ism (doctrine or system)
dual (from latin dualis, meaning 'of two, containing two'); ism (from greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine).
Examples
cartesian dualism famously separates the mind from the physical body.
the ancient religion was characterized by a strict dualism between the forces of light and darkness.
her analysis revealed a dualism in the author's work, contrasting idealism with harsh realism.