reductionistic (adj) 1. breaking down [reducing] a complex system, such as a living organism, into its component parts in order to better understand how the parts work to gain a better understanding of how the system works. 2. the attempt to explain all biological processes in terms of chemical and physical processes
the attempt to explain objects or events in one domain by using terminology, concepts, laws, or principles from another domain. Explaining observable phenomena (domain 1) in terms of atomic theory (domain 2) would be an example; explaining human behavior and cognition (domain 1) in terms of biocheical principles (domain 2) would be another. In a sense, it can be said that events in domain 1 are reduced to events in domain 2.
The practice of some researchers to reduce complex behaviors to simple terms, often simplistic, thereby creating error in their interpretations of the behaviors.
(Reber) Stated broadly, a philosophical point of view which maintains that complex phenomena are best understood by a componential analysis which breaks down the phenomena into their fundamental, elementary aspects.
Assumption that complex things can always be explained in simpler or fundamental terms.
a theory that all complex systems can be completely understood in terms of their components
the analysis of complex things into simpler constituents
The doctrine that complex systems can be completely understood in terms of its simplest parts. For example, an organism is to be completely understood in terms of its genes, a society in terms of its individuals, and so on.
The theory that all objects and events can be understood in terms of lawful behavior of the elements of which they are made.
The doctrine that more complex phenomena can be reduced to less complex ones (cf. holism). In philosophy, the theory that human behaviour can ultimately be reduced to the behaviour of inanimate matter governed by the laws of nature. In biology, the belief that all the phenomena of life can ultimately be understood in terms of chemistry and physics. Closely associated with the mechanistic theory, materialism, and atomism (q.v.).
Indicating the oversimplification of complex ideas or data.
A meaningful way to study complex subjects by dividing it up into smaller components.
a procedure or theory of reducing complex data or phenomena to simple terms; oversimplification
Describing complex phenomena in terms of its fundamental constituents
A belief that all scientific laws and processes relating to complex systems can be reduced down to basic scientific laws. Physicalism was a version of this.
The idea that nature can be understood by dissection.
The scientific method that analytically reduces complexities into smaller components in order to gain understanding of the parts from which attributes of the original conglomerate can be asserted.
In philosophy, reductionism is a theory that asserts that the nature of complex things is reduced to the nature of sums of simpler or more fundamental things. This can be said of objects, phenomena, explanations, theories, and meanings.
