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

Neutral monism and dual-aspect monism are two distinct philosophical positions within the field of philosophy of mind. While both theories aim to explain the relationship between mind and matter, they differ in their understanding of the fundamental nature of reality and the nature of consciousness.

Neutral monism posits that there is a single substance or reality that underlies both mind and matter. According to this view, mind and matter are not separate entities but rather different aspects or manifestations of this underlying substance. This substance is considered neutral because it is neither exclusively mental nor exclusively physical. Neutral monism suggests that the mental and physical aspects of reality are ultimately reducible to this neutral substance, which is beyond our direct experience.

On the other hand, dual-aspect monism proposes that mind and matter are two inseparable aspects of a single underlying reality. Unlike neutral monism, dual-aspect monism does not posit a neutral substance that underlies both mind and matter. Instead, it suggests that mind and matter are two complementary aspects of the same underlying reality. This means that every mental event has a corresponding physical aspect, and vice versa. Dual-aspect monism emphasizes the intimate relationship between mind and matter, suggesting that they cannot exist independently of each other.

In summary, the main difference between neutral monism and dual-aspect monism lies in their understanding of the fundamental nature of reality. Neutral monism posits a single neutral substance that gives rise to both mind and matter, while dual-aspect monism suggests that mind and matter are two inseparable aspects of a single underlying reality. Both theories aim to reconcile the relationship between mind and matter, but they do so in different ways.