What does monistically mean?
Monistically is an adverb meaning in accordance with monism, the philosophical doctrine that reality ultimately consists of one fundamental substance, principle, or kind of existence. A writer or speaker who argues monistically treats distinctions between apparently different phenomena as aspects or manifestations of a single underlying reality. The word is especially associated with metaphysical debates about whether mind and matter, physical and spiritual existence, or other apparent opposites share one ultimate basis. It is formal and uncommon outside philosophy, theology, and related academic disciplines. Ordinary discussions would usually use monistic, as in a monistic view of reality, rather than the adverb. Although uncommon, monistically is useful because it precisely identifies not merely a belief in unity but the manner of reasoning or speaking that follows from the doctrine of monism.
adverbIn a monistic manner; in accordance with the doctrine that reality consists of a single fundamental substance or principle.
- In accordance with monism, the view that reality has one fundamental nature.
"The philosopher argued monistically that mind and matter were ultimately manifestations of one reality."
"The account treats consciousness and matter monistically rather than as entirely separate substances."
"She discussed how the system interprets the world monistically."
To reason monistically is to insist that the apparent variety of reality rests on a single underlying principle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monistically come from?
Monistically was formed from monistic with the adverbial suffix -ly. Monistic in turn derives from monism, which comes through Latin from the Greek mónos, meaning single, together with the suffix -ism. The same Greek root also underlies monist and monistic.
Related word forms
How monistically is actually used
This is a specialized, chiefly philosophical adverb. It is most common in formal academic writing and is uncommon in everyday speech.