Which term refers to the separation of physical and psychological qualities in philosophy?

The correct term that refers to the separation of physical and psychological qualities in philosophy is dualism. Dualism posits that there are two distinct kinds of substance or reality: the mental (mind) and the physical (body). This philosophical standpoint suggests that mental phenomena are, in some respects, non-physical, while physical phenomena are distinct from the psychological.

Historically, dualism has been closely associated with René Descartes, who argued for the existence of both a mind (or soul) and a body, emphasizing their separate natures. This separation raises fundamental questions about how the mind and body interact, which has been a central topic in the philosophy of mind and psychology.

Monism, in contrast, asserts that only one substance or reality exists, whether that is through a purely physical lens (materialism) or a purely mental framework (idealism). Materialism focuses solely on the physical aspects of reality, while idealism emphasizes the mental or spiritual. Neither of these frameworks supports the notion of distinct separation as dualism does. Thus, dualism is the term that accurately captures the idea of separating physical and psychological qualities.