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Monism is a philosophical position that asserts the existence of only one fundamental substance or reality. This concept is often contrasted with dualism, which posits the existence of two distinct substances or realities. Monism can be further categorized into various types, including physical monism, idealism, and panpsychism.

Physical monism, also known as material monism, holds that only physical substances exist. This view is often associated with materialist philosophers who argue that all phenomena, including mental states, can be reduced to physical processes. Idealism, on the other hand, posits that only mental or non-physical substances exist. This perspective is often associated with philosophers like George Berkeley and Immanuel Kant, who argue that the mind is the primary reality and that physical objects are merely perceptions or ideas.

Panpsychism is a more recent form of monism that asserts that all things, including physical objects, have some form of mental or conscious properties. This view is often associated with philosophers like Galen Strawson and David Chalmers, who argue that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality.

Monism is a complex and multifaceted philosophical position that has been explored by philosophers throughout history. While it offers a unified view of reality, it also faces significant challenges and criticisms, particularly from those who argue that it cannot adequately account for the diversity and complexity of human experience. Despite these challenges, monism continues to be a vibrant and influential philosophical tradition.