What does dualism propose about the mind and the physical universe?

Dualism proposes that the mind and the physical universe are completely separate entities. This philosophical standpoint, most notably associated with René Descartes, suggests that mental phenomena are non-physical and distinct from the body and its physical processes. It posits that while the mind can influence the body and vice versa, they exist in separate realms.

In this view, the mind encompasses thoughts, beliefs, desires, and other mental activities, whereas the physical universe is made up of tangible substances and observable phenomena. This separation highlights the complexity of understanding consciousness and mental processes in relation to the physical world, often leading to discussions about the nature of mental states and their interaction with physiological functions.

By asserting that the mind and body are distinct, dualism lays the groundwork for exploring various implications in psychology, such as the nature of perception, experience, and identity, while prompting questions about how these two realms can be connected or interact without undermining their inherent separateness.