monism

Monism is a philosophical or religious doctrine that asserts all reality stems from a single fundamental principle.

The term monism (from Greek monos, “one” or “single”) refers to a metaphysical worldview claiming that all existence is grounded in one substance, force, or principle. It contrasts with dualism (two principles, e.g., mind/body) and pluralism (multiple fundamental entities).

Different types of monism include:

Material monism: all is matter or energy (common in scientific materialism);

Spiritual monism: all is mind or consciousness (e.g., in idealist philosophies);

Neutral monism: both matter and mind stem from a common, undefined source (e.g., in Spinoza or certain Indian philosophies).

Religious forms of monism are found in Advaita Vedānta (Hinduism), where the individual self (ātman) is seen as identical with the absolute (brahman). Similar ideas occur in Sufi mysticism, Christian Neoplatonism, and interpretations of Taoist metaphysics.

Monism may influence artistic and architectural traditions that emphasize unity, cosmic order, or harmony between human and natural realms.