Totalistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🧮
totalistic
[ˌtəʊ.təˈlɪs.tɪk ]
Definitions
mathematics
Relating to or denoting a cellular automaton in which the state of each cell at a particular time is determined by the states of its neighbors at the previous time step and a set of rules that apply uniformly to all cells.
Examples of usage
- Totalistic cellular automata are widely used in studying complex systems.
- The behavior of a totalistic automaton can exhibit emergent properties.
computing
Relating to a system or algorithm that operates on the sum of the states of neighboring cells or elements.
Examples of usage
- The totalistic approach simplifies the computational process.
- Totalistic algorithms are efficient in certain applications.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term stems from the word 'total', which means 'whole' or 'complete', combined with 'istic', indicating a certain system of thought or behavior.
- Totalistic ideas gained prominence in the 20th century during and after global conflicts, as societies looked for cohesive structures for governance and control.
Political Science
- Totalistic regimes often suppress dissent by controlling media, education, and even personal beliefs, aiming for uniformity among citizens.
- Examples include totalitarian governments, which seek total control over public and private life, such as North Korea under Kim Jong-un.
Psychology
- In psychological contexts, totalistic environments can lead to cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle to reconcile their beliefs with imposed ideologies.
- Research shows that people in totalistic systems may experience identity loss, as personal values get overshadowed by group norms.
Cultural Reference
- Totalistic worldview can be reflected in literature, such as dystopian novels where characters navigate oppressive societies that dictate all aspects of life.
- In film, totalistic themes often emerge in stories about anti-heroes fighting against authoritarian control, like in 'V for Vendetta'.
Sociology
- Sociologists study totalistic groups or cults, which often demand complete loyalty and may isolate members from the outside world.
- These groups tend to use intense indoctrination techniques to align members' thoughts and actions with the group's beliefs.
Origin of 'totalistic'
The term 'totalistic' originated in the field of mathematics and cellular automata, specifically in the study of complex systems. It has since been adopted in computing to describe algorithms and systems that operate based on the sum of neighboring elements. The concept emphasizes the uniform application of rules across all elements, leading to efficient computational processes. The history of the word reflects its evolution from mathematical theory to practical computing applications.
See also: teetotal, teetotaler, totalable, totaling, totalitarian, totality, totalizer, totally.