What is the difference between dual-aspect monism and neutral monism?

Dual-aspect monism and neutral monism are two distinct philosophical positions within the field of philosophy of mind. While they both aim to address the mind-body problem, they propose different explanations for the relationship between mental and physical phenomena.

Dual-aspect monism posits that the mental and physical aspects of reality are two inseparable but distinct aspects of a single underlying substance or reality. According to this view, the mental and physical are not separate entities, but rather two different perspectives or manifestations of the same underlying substance. This means that mental and physical phenomena are not reducible to each other, but they are interconnected and mutually dependent. Dual-aspect monism rejects the idea of a strict ontological separation between mind and body, emphasizing their inherent unity.

On the other hand, neutral monism suggests that there is a fundamental substance or reality that underlies both mental and physical phenomena, but this substance is neither exclusively mental nor physical. Neutral monism posits that there is a neutral or neutralizing substance that gives rise to both mental and physical experiences. This neutral substance is considered to be the ultimate reality, and mental and physical phenomena are seen as different manifestations or aspects of this neutral substance. Neutral monism rejects the idea of a fundamental ontological distinction between mind and matter, proposing a more unified perspective.

In summary, the main difference between dual-aspect monism and neutral monism lies in their explanations of the relationship between mental and physical phenomena. Dual-aspect monism suggests that mental and physical aspects are two distinct but inseparable aspects of a single underlying substance, while neutral monism proposes a neutral substance that gives rise to both mental and physical experiences. Both positions reject a strict ontological separation between mind and body, but they offer different perspectives on the nature of their relationship.