reductionism
rih-DUK-shun-iz-um
/rɪˈdʌk.ʃən.ɪz.əm/
The methodological approach of explaining complex systems or phenomena entirely in terms of their simpler, fundamental components.
Can be an effective scientific strategy (analyzing cells via molecules) or a criticism against oversimplifying complex human behaviors.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'reductio', meaning a leading back, constructed from 're-' (back) and 'ducere' (to lead). In logic, it referred to bringing an argument back to fundamental premises. In mid-twentieth-century philosophy of science, reductionism came to describe the drive to lead complex macro-level phenomena (like biology) back to fundamental micro-level physics.
Word relationships
- elementarism: Elementarism focuses specifically on identifying basic elements, whereas reductionism includes translating whole system behaviors down to those elements.
- oversimplification: Oversimplification carries a purely negative meaning, while reductionism can be a valid scientific methodology.
- holism: Holism asserts that whole systems have emergent properties that cannot be understood merely by examining their individual parts.
Commonly confused with
- reduction: Reduction is a general lowering or decrease, while reductionism is a specific philosophy of analysis.
Word family
- reductionist (noun): One who advocates or practices reductionism.
- reductionistic (adjective): Tending to reduce complex systems to simple components.
- reduce (verb): To break down or analyze into simpler parts.
Collocations
- greedy reductionism
- biological reductionism
- methodological reductionism
- scientific reductionism
Example sentences
- "Critics argue that explaining love purely through dopamine levels is an unhelpful form of biological reductionism." Neuroscience debate
- "Scientific reductionism has enabled immense breakthroughs by breaking complex physical systems into subatomic particles." Methodological science
Memory hook
REDUCTIONISM REDUCES a massive organism down to its TINY atomic bricks. Explaining complex wholes by breaking them into simple parts.
When not to use
Do not confuse with simply making something smaller or summarizing a document.
Fun facts
- Philosopher Daniel Dennett coined the term 'greedy reductionism' to describe explaining complex things like consciousness too quickly while skipping crucial intermediate steps.
Related words
Explore more words
analytical, break down, mechanistic, Analysis, analyze, emergentism
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