Reductionist: meaning, definitions and examples
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reductionist
[ rΙͺΛdΚkΚΙnΙͺst ]
philosophy, science
Reductionist refers to the approach of understanding complex phenomena by breaking them down into simpler components. It is often used in the context of science and philosophy where complex systems are analyzed by their individual parts.
Synonyms
analytical, mechanistic, simplistic
Examples of usage
- Reductionist theories often overlook the interplay between parts.
- Many scientists criticize reductionist approaches for oversimplifying reality.
- The reductionist view is prevalent in disciplines like biology and psychology.
Etymology
The term 'reductionist' originated from the concept of reductionism, which can be traced back to the early scientific methods of inquiry in the 19th century. It combines 'reduce' from the Latin 'reducere,' meaning 'to lead back' or 'bring back,' and the suffix '-ist,' indicating a person or thing that practices or is concerned with something. Over time, 'reductionism' began to describe not just a method but a philosophical stance that emphasized dissecting complex entities into simpler, more manageable parts. This idea gained momentum during the rise of modern science, where the study of individual components was believed to lead to a better understanding of the whole. Reductionism has been a foundational principle in various fields, including biology, psychology, and economics, although it has faced criticism for neglecting the holistic nature of systems.