reductionism

(noun)

Several related but distinct philosophical positions regarding the connections between phenomena, or theories, "reducing" one to another, usually considered simpler or more basic. In the sciences, its methodologies attempt to explain entire systems in terms of their individual, constituent parts and their interactions.

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(noun)

The term that refers to several related but distinct philosophical positions regarding the connections between phenomena, or theories, "reducing" one to another, usually considered "simpler" or more "basic." The Oxford Companion to Philosophy suggests a three part division: ontological (a belief that the whole of reality consists of a minimal number of parts); methodological (the scientific attempt to provide explanation in terms of ever smaller entities); and theory (the suggestion that a newer theory does not replace or absorb the old, but reduces it to more basic terms).

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Examples of reductionism in the following topics:

  • Modality and levels of analysis

    • Most network analyses does move us beyond simple micro or macro reductionism -- and this is good.

  • The Political Revolution

    • More broadly, the Enlightenment period is marked by increasing empiricism, scientific rigor, and reductionism, along with increasing questioning of religious orthodoxy.

  • Introduction to the Enlightenment

    • The Enlightenment was marked by an emphasis on the scientific method and reductionism along with increased questioning of religious orthodoxy.

  • Enlightenment Ideals

    • The Enlightenment was marked by an emphasis on the scientific method and reductionism along with increased questioning of religious orthodoxy.