Monistum

Monistum is a philosophical concept that posits the existence of only one fundamental substance or reality. This single entity is often referred to as "the One," "the Absolute," or "God," and all phenomena in the universe are seen as manifestations or aspects of this ultimate reality. Monist views stand in contrast to dualism, which asserts the existence of two fundamental substances (e.g., mind and matter), and pluralism, which suggests the existence of many fundamental substances.

Various forms of monism exist across different philosophical traditions. Materialism, for instance, is a form of monism that holds that only matter exists, and all mental states are ultimately reducible to material processes. Idealism, another form of monism, asserts that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, and the physical world is either an illusion or a manifestation of consciousness. Neutral monism suggests that there is a single underlying substance that is neither purely mental nor purely physical, but possesses both mental and physical aspects.

Throughout history, prominent philosophers have explored monistic ideas. Ancient Greek philosophers like Parmenides argued for an unchanging, unified reality. Later thinkers such as Baruch Spinoza, with his concept of God or Nature, and G.W.F. Hegel, with his Absolute Spirit, presented influential monistic systems. These ideas have influenced theology, metaphysics, and epistemology, offering a framework for understanding the interconnectedness and ultimate unity of existence.