Dualistic thinking, which involves categorizing concepts into binary oppositions such as mind and body, has historically played a significant role in the development of scientific thought. René Descartes’ 17th-century mind-body dualism, for instance, posited that mental and physical substances are fundamentally distinct, influencing the trajectory of scientific inquiry by encouraging the study of the physical world as separate from the mind.
However, while dualistic frameworks have facilitated the development of classification systems essential for management and control, they are not the sole cognitive approach underpinning scientific progress. Recent studies suggest that creative thinking in science draws upon two kinds of processes linked to distinct physiological features, indicating that non-dualistic, integrative modes of thought also contribute to scientific innovation.
Therefore, while dualistic thinking has been instrumental in the evolution of scientific methodologies, it is not an absolute prerequisite for science. Embracing both dualistic and non-dualistic modes of thought can lead to a more holistic and nuanced understanding of complex phenomena.
