double-aspect theory

or dual-aspect theory

Type of mind-body monism. According to double-aspect theory, the mental and the material are different aspects or attributes of a unitary reality, which itself is neither mental nor material. The view is derived from the metaphysics of Benedict de Spinoza, who held that mind and matter are merely two of an infinite number of “modes” of a single existing substance, which he identified with God. See also mind-body problem.

Find more information on double-aspect theory. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on double-aspect theory.