The predominance of dualistic thinking in a civilization does not necessarily indicate a regressed state akin to the psychological defense mechanisms observed in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). While both involve binary perceptions, their contexts and implications differ significantly.
Dualistic Thinking in Civilization:
Dualistic thinking refers to the tendency to categorize concepts into opposing pairs, such as good versus evil or mind versus body. This binary framework has been foundational in various philosophical and religious traditions. For instance, mind-body dualism, as discussed in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, posits that mental and physical substances are fundamentally distinct . Such dichotomous frameworks have historically shaped cultural, ethical, and metaphysical understandings within societies.
Splitting and Projective Identification in Psychoanalysis:
In psychoanalytic theory, particularly concerning BPD, “splitting” is a defense mechanism where individuals perceive themselves and others in black-and-white terms, unable to integrate positive and negative aspects into a cohesive whole. “Projective identification” involves projecting one’s unacceptable feelings onto another person, who then unconsciously begins to exhibit those feelings or behaviors. These mechanisms are strategies to manage internal conflicts and anxieties.
Comparative Analysis:
While both dualistic thinking and splitting involve binary classifications, equating a civilization’s use of dualistic frameworks with a regressed psychological state is an oversimplification. Dualistic thinking in cultural or philosophical contexts often serves to structure complex realities and facilitate understanding. In contrast, splitting in psychoanalysis is viewed as a maladaptive coping mechanism arising from unresolved internal conflicts.
Therefore, the presence of dualistic thinking within a civilization reflects a particular mode of conceptualizing the world rather than indicating a pathological or regressed state. It is essential to distinguish between the functional application of dualism in societal constructs and the defensive use of splitting in individual psychopathology.
