Ism Words

Question 1

Monism

Answer 1

A theory or doctrine that denies the existence of a distinction or duality in some sphere, such as that between matter and mind, or God and the world.
the doctrine that only one supreme being exists.

Question 2

Dynamism

Answer 2

Dynamism is defined as a theory or philosophy that explains something in terms of great energy or force. An example of dynamism is the reason that a high-energy person can get twice as much work done in a day.

Question 3

Hylozoism

Answer 3

Hylozoism is the philosophical point of view that matter is in some sense alive. The concept dates back at least as far as the Milesian school of pre-Socratic philosophers

Question 4

Panpsychism

Answer 4

the doctrine or belief that everything material, however small, has an element of individual consciousness.

Question 5

Atomism

Answer 5

a theoretical approach that regards something as interpretable through analysis into distinct, separable, and independent elementary components.

Question 6

Dualism

Answer 6

The division of something conceptually into two opposed or contrasted aspects, or the state of being so divided.

Question 7

Vitalism

Answer 7

the theory that the origin and phenomena of life are dependent on a force or principle distinct from purely chemical or physical forces.

Question 8

Nominalism

Answer 8

the doctrine that universals or general ideas are mere names without any corresponding reality, and that only particular objects exist; properties, numbers, and sets are thought of as merely features of the way of considering the things that exist. Important in medieval scholastic thought, nominalism is associated particularly with William of Occam.

Question 9

Gnosticism

Answer 9

Gnosticism was perhaps the most dangerous heresy that threatened the early church during the first three centuries. Influenced by such philosophers as Plato, Gnosticism is based on two false premises. First, it espouses a dualism regarding spirit and matter. Gnostics assert that matter is inherently evil and spirit is good. As a result of this presupposition, Gnostics believe anything done in the body, even the grossest sin, has no meaning because real life exists in the spirit realm only.

Question 10

Donatism

Answer 10

An early Christian belief which maintained that apostate priests were incapable of administering the sacraments, as opposed to the orthodox view that any sacrament administered by a properly ordained priest or bishop is valid, regardless of how sinful he is or if he has converted to another religion.

Question 11

Henotheism

Answer 11

adherence to one particular god out of several, especially by a family, tribe, or other group.