Traces of Dualism in Modern Medicine: From Reductionism to Holism

Abstract

Mind-body dualism, which posits the mind and body as distinct entities and conceptualizes the body as a machine, has significantly influenced the development of modern science and medicine. While this framework enabled revolutionary advances in anatomical and physiological knowledge, it also led to the marginalization of subjective, social, and psychological aspects of health. As a consequence, the biomedical model—rooted in positivism—became the dominant paradigm in medicine, reducing illness to measurable, physical dysfunctions. However, this reductionist approach has been increasingly criticized, particularly for its failure to address chronic diseases, mental health, and the social determinants of health. The biopsychosocial model has emerged as a response to these limitations, emphasizing the need to consider biological, psychological, and social factors in an integrated manner. Moreover, dualistic thinking has contributed to the stigmatization of psychiatric conditions, the exclusion of ethical reflection from clinical practice, and the underprioritization of public health and preventive strategies. Recent studies also suggest that individuals who adopt a dualistic worldview may be less inclined toward healthy behaviors. A shift toward a holistic, integrative, and non-dualistic conception of medicine is therefore essential to overcome the conceptual and practical shortcomings rooted in Cartesian thought.