emergentism
ih-MER-juhn-tiz-um
/ɪˈmɜː.dʒən.tɪzəm/
The philosophy that complex whole entities exhibit novel properties that cannot be deduced from their individual simpler components.
In philosophy of mind, it posits consciousness emerges from physical brain networks while having entirely new properties.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'e-' (out) + 'mergere' (to dip/plunge). Coined in 19th-century philosophy to explain non-reducible features of life and mind.
Word relationships
- emergence theory: Emergence theory is often used interchangeably in scientific contexts.
- reductionism: Reductionism holds that complex things are nothing more than the sum of their physical parts.
Commonly confused with
- emergence: Emergence is the process; emergentism is the theoretical philosophy behind it.
Word family
- emergent (adjective): Arising as an unexpected whole.
Collocations
- strong emergentism
- weak emergentism
- emergent property
Example sentences
- "Emergentism proposes that consciousness arises from neural complexity without needing an immaterial soul." Philosophy of mind
Memory hook
EMERGE-ntism = Mind EMERGES from brain like wetness emerges from combined H2O. The whole is greater than parts.
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple gradual growth or development.
Fun facts
- Water's wetness is a classic analogy: individual H2O molecules aren't wet, but liquidity emerges from their interaction.
Related words
Explore more words
reductionism, dualism, monism, phenomenology, holistic, indeterminism
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