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Reductionism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Reductionism is the practice of simplifying complex ideas or systems into smaller, more manageable parts, often to analyze or explain them more easily. It is commonly used in science and philosophy.

reductionism

/rɪˈdʌkʃənɪzəm/ /rɪˈdʌkʃənɪzəm/

Definition:

The practice of analyzing complex phenomena by breaking them into simpler components.

Synonyms:

simplification, oversimplification, atomism

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

holism, complexity

Common Collocations:

scientific reductionism, methodological reductionism, philosophical reductionism

Derivatives:

reductionist, reductionistic

Usage Tips:

Use "reductionism" to critique oversimplified explanations of intricate systems or ideas.

Common Phrases:

"reductionist approach, " "philosophical reductionism, " "critique of reductionism"

Etymology:

Derived from "reduce," from Latin "reducere," meaning to bring back or simplify.

Examples:

  • 1. Reductionism simplifies biology to chemistry and physics.
  • 2. Critics argue that reductionism ignores emergent properties in systems.
  • 3. His theory suffers from excessive reductionism, overlooking cultural factors.
  • 4. Reductionism is common in mechanistic scientific models.

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