What does the term "dualism" generally relate to in philosophy?

The term "dualism" in philosophy fundamentally relates to the existence of two distinct and opposing substances or realities. This concept suggests that there are two basic types of entities that make up the universe, typically distinguished as the physical (or material) and the non-physical (or spiritual). For instance, in the realm of mind-body dualism, this might manifest in discussions about how mental processes and physical states interact but remain fundamentally different kinds of phenomena. This philosophical framework has been influential in various debates, including those around consciousness, identity, and the nature of reality itself.

Other options, while relevant to various philosophical discussions, do not define dualism in the same way. The belief in multiple realities, methods of rational argumentation, and holistic perspectives on health do not capture the essence of dualism as it pertains to the fundamental dichotomy between two types of substances or entities. Hence, the characterization of dualism as the existence of two fundamental substances provides the most accurate representation of the term within philosophical discourse.