reductionism
the theory that every complex phenomenon, especially in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon.
the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.
Origin of reductionism
1Other words from reductionism
- re·duc·tion·ist, noun, adjective
Words Nearby reductionism
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use reductionism in a sentence
reductionism says that this is possible, not that it is useful.
The End of Reductionism Could Be Nigh. Or Not. - Facts So Romantic | Sabine Hossenfelder | June 18, 2021 | NautilusI believe part of the problem is that Marletto neither explains what she means by reductionism nor by emergent.
The End of Reductionism Could Be Nigh. Or Not. - Facts So Romantic | Sabine Hossenfelder | June 18, 2021 | NautilusWhat an immense difference between reductionism and socialism!
The Catholic World, Vol. X, October 1869 | Various
British Dictionary definitions for reductionism
/ (rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm) /
the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
often derogatory any theory or method that holds that a complex idea, system, etc, can be completely understood in terms of its simpler parts or components
Derived forms of reductionism
- reductionist, noun, adjective
- reductionistic, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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