Monists

Monists are individuals or schools of thought that propose a singular, unified substance or principle underlies all of reality. This fundamental entity, whether it be matter, mind, or some abstract concept, is considered the ultimate source from which everything else originates. Monism stands in contrast to dualism and pluralism, which posit multiple fundamental substances or principles. The nature of the single principle varies among monistic philosophies, ranging from material monism, which claims that only matter exists, to idealist monism, which claims that only mind or consciousness is real. Examining the varying perspectives can help understand their philosophies better.

Monists meaning with examples

• The ancient philosopher Parmenides, a prominent figure in early Greek philosophy, is often considered a monist. His influential teachings on the nature of being and reality, centered on the idea of "the One," which emphasized the unity and indivisibility of existence. This concept became pivotal in shaping subsequent philosophical inquiries into the nature of reality and the relationship between appearance and underlying truth, influencing many thinkers and schools of thought.
• Spinoza, a 17th-century philosopher, articulated a form of monism, identifying God with nature, positing a single, infinite substance known as 'God or Nature.' This all-encompassing substance encompasses all attributes and modes of existence. The consequences of Spinoza’s philosophy, and its radical implication that everything that exists is ultimately derived from the same fundamental source, continues to resonate, influencing theological and philosophical discourses.
• Materialist Monists argue that the only fundamental substance is matter, and all mental states are ultimately reducible to physical processes. This position challenges the traditional mind-body dualism and the existence of any non-physical entities, viewing consciousness as a product of the physical brain. The ramifications for how we understand the mind, consciousness and our place in the universe is ever present.
• Idealist Monists, on the other hand, claim that mind or consciousness is the fundamental substance. From this perspective, the physical world is either an illusion or a manifestation of mind. George Berkeley, a prominent idealist, exemplified this view, arguing that 'to be is to be perceived,' which suggested that external objects only exist insofar as they are perceived by a mind.
• Zen Buddhism, a school of Mahayana Buddhism, can be interpreted as a form of monism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. By seeking enlightenment and seeking the underlying unity of the universe, the emphasis lies on experiencing the inherent interconnectedness of all phenomena. By stripping away the dualities of 'self' and 'other,' the Zen practitioners move closer to the underlying unity of all things.