Hierarchical Dualism
Gig Φ Philosophy
(at-a-glance overviews of philosophical concepts)
Published July, 2022 [UPDATED: 2024]
What is it?
Hierarchical Dualism refers to an intersectional system which divides, evaluates, & ranks every aspect of human categorization; subordinating classifications traditionally associated with marginalized communities & privileging select few.
Conceptual Context
How has dualistic thinking resulted in inequality & injustice?
Value Hierarchy
Attaches normative judgment to each opposing binary, subordinating Body as "less than" the Mind
Learn More ▼
Argues dualism is not only false, ...
but justifies Essentialist subordination & oppression at the expense of body rights
TRADITIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Mind & Body became associated with every aspect of dualistic human categorization (including race and gender) generally privileging certain intersectional identities over others (epistemically & socio-economically) by associating them with "superior" qualities / traits / characteristics.
Associations
with Intersectional Identities
(Race, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, ability, ideology)
HEGEMONIC
WHITE CIS-MALE(NESS)
Historically: Upper / middle class, heterosexual, physically- & cognitively- abled, Christian (i.e., dominant religion)
NON-HEGEMONIC
(NON-WHITE) FEMALE(NESS)
Historically: Anyone viewed / labeled as being in "opposition" to / outside of the hegemony / binary
Epistemic Associations
(Knowledge & Justified Belief)
REASON
Mind
Rationality
The Subject / "Knower"
Clear & Determinate
Knowable
Must be "sought"
EMOTION
Body
Irrationality
The Object / "to be known"
Vague & Indeterminate
Unknowable
Must be "overcome"
REAL
The Absolute
Objective Truth
Defined "in and of itself"
Given the benefit of the doubt
Extended Authority
UNRELIABLE
The Other
Subjective / Contingent Truth
Defined only relationally
Disbelieved
Denied Authority
Metaphysical Associations
(Nature of Reality)
HUMAN
Rational Mind
Container
Agent (will / autonomy)
Can transcend animal nature
Light / Sun
Heaven
Orderly
ANIMAL / NATURE
Emotional Body
To be contained
Object (Sex) to be acted upon
Subject to decisions of "Man"
Dark(ness) / Moon
Earth
Disorderly
Axiological Associations
(Values)
GOOD
Positive / Neutral
Societal "Norm" / "Ideal"
Moral / Virtuous
Regular / Expectation
Strength / Asset
Life
BAD
Negative / Limited
Qualification / Exception
Amoral / Immoral (Sin / Vice)
Peculiar / Aberration
Weakness / Hindrance
Death
Associations
with Power
PRIVILEGED
Superior / Master
Dominant (not most prevalent)
Reflects / Maintains status quo
Active / Doer
Independent
Conqueror / Explorer
Public = Creator of government & history (citizen)
SUBORDINATED
Inferior / Slave
Oppressed