Dichotomy

Dichotomy (Greek: διχότομος dichótomos "cut into two branches", derived from δίχα dicha "divided into two, separated" and τομος tomos "cut") generally refers to a structure consisting of two separate, complementary parts. In the spiritual-scientific sense, it means in particular the division of the human being into soul and body. The independent spirit of the human being, which is included in its true trichotomy, is denied and only the soul is attributed some spiritual qualities. Dichotomy was introduced into confessional Christian doctrine with the Fourth Council of Constantinople (869) and trichotomy has since been regarded as heresy. In contrast, in esoteric Christianity, as taught by the Rosicrucians, for example, the trichotomy into body, soul and spirit is still regarded as the true threefold structure of the human being.