Manichean

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "Manichean" is correct and usable in written English.
This term describes an ancient dualistic religious mentality that perceives the universe to be comprised of equal and opposing forces of good and evil. For example, one may say, "The Manichean worldview emphasizes the ongoing conflict between good and evil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Such regimes are successful in the sense that they manage, as long as they last, to make people do what they are told; but once they fall, such polities can shatter into a thousand pieces.Beyond good and evilNor is there anything simple or Manichean about the standoff between the state on the one hand and its would-be wreckers on the other.

The Economist

Increasing numbers of young Tunisians without jobs are evidently attracted by a more fundamentalist interpretation of Islam that gives a structure to their lives and leads them into a Manichean world of good and evil where they are inspired to play their part.

The Economist

Certainly films such as "Barry Lyndon" and "The Shining" are imbued with an almost Manichean sense of the force of evil and the fallibility of man.But there is contrary evidence, notably in Mr Kubrick's 40-year marriage to an ex-actress, Suzanne Christian, who appears briefly in "Paths of Glory".

The Economist

In that Manichean world, the tribals and Maoists are one; and anyone against Maoists is against the tribals, therefore for the state, and hence complicit in the abuses.

Independent

His conception of the I-It was a "Manichean insult" while his conception of the I-Thou was "rashly romantic and ecstatic," and Buber "mistook deep emotional stirrings for revelation".

SEP

But they also serve as character types: most positive, but some (like the well-known Manichean Faustus) of a more ambivalent sort.

SEP

It developed not into an open ended inquiry into the nature and causes of imagery, but a manichean struggle between the computational pictorialism championed by Kosslyn and his supporters, and the computational description theory still most ably and enthusiastically represented by Pylyshyn.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But when he gives his evidence, Mr Blair will surely regurgitate his familiar messianic-Manichean shtick, plus his view that American power is best steered by working alongside it.

The Economist

Nonetheless, the four hypotheses he does advance are important evidence about how he understands the conceptual landscape [O'Daly 1987, pp. 15 20; Mendelson 1998, pp. 30 44], and the anti-Manichean polemic notwithstanding, it is instructive that he makes no attempt to choose between or even to offer a tentative ranking of them.

SEP

In that context, Augustine is still engaged in constructing an anti-Manichean portrait of the human condition, but he is equally concerned with the aspect of agency that falls outside the scope of a purely rational or intellectual analysis.

SEP

In Book I of De Libero Arbitrio, Augustine endeavors to construct an anti-Manichean theodicy [De Libero Arbitrio I.2], one that accounts for the presence of moral evil in the world without either substantializing it or finding its source in divine activity.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Manichean" when you want to describe a worldview that sees the world in terms of absolute good versus absolute evil. Be aware that it can sometimes be seen as an oversimplification.

Common error

Avoid using "Manichean" simply to describe any conflict. It specifically refers to a dualistic worldview with inherent good-vs-evil implications, not just any opposition.

Linguistic Context

The word "Manichean" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something characterized by a dualistic worldview, dividing the world into good and evil. It can also act as a noun, referring to a follower of Manichaeism. According to Ludwig, it's a valid term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Manichean" is a grammatically sound term used to describe a dualistic worldview characterized by stark contrasts between good and evil. It is most frequently encountered in news and media and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correct and usable. When employing "Manichean", ensure it accurately reflects a system of thought that simplifies complexities into moral absolutes. Be mindful of potential oversimplification and, if necessary, consider alternatives such as "dualistic worldview" or "binary opposition" to convey similar meanings with nuanced emphasis. While the term is prevalent in academic and media sources, its specific connotation requires careful consideration to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good versus evil

Directly states the moral opposition.

dualistic perspective

Similar to dualistic worldview but emphasizes an individual point of view.

dualistic worldview

Focuses on the concept of duality rather than the historical religious context.

conflict between opposing forces

Highlights the struggle between two opposing elements.

binary opposition

Highlights the contrast between two opposing forces, abstracting away from specific religious connotations.

polarized view

Indicates a situation where opinions or beliefs are divided into opposing groups.

black-and-white thinking

Emphasizes the simplicity of dividing concepts into two opposing categories.

divided perspective

A viewpoint split sharply between two distinct options or interpretations.

us-versus-them mentality

Highlights the conflict between two opposing groups.

world of stark contrasts

Emphasizes a world characterized by extreme differences and oppositions.

FAQs

How is "Manichean" typically used in a sentence?

The word "Manichean" is often used to describe a perspective or worldview that sees the world divided into distinct categories of good and evil. For example: "The politician's speech presented a "Manichean" view of the world."

What's the difference between a "Manichean" view and a dualistic view?

While both terms relate to a division into two parts, "Manichean" specifically implies a moral dimension where one side is inherently good and the other is inherently evil. A dualistic view is a broader term and doesn't necessarily carry the same moral judgment.

What are some alternatives to the word "Manichean"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "dualistic worldview", "binary opposition", or "black-and-white thinking".

Is it correct to use "Manichean" to describe any conflict?

No, "Manichean" should not be used to describe any conflict. It is specifically reserved for situations and perspectives that are characterized by a dualistic worldview with strong moral connotations of good versus evil.