reductionism

[ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uh m]

noun

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

First recorded in 1940–45; reduction + -ism

Related formsre·duc·tion·ist, noun, adjectivere·duc·tion·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for reductionist

Contemporary Examples of reductionist

Democrats tend to believe that the facts will set them free, and that spinning them is reductionist.
Republicans Embrace Theatrics—It’s Time for Barack Obama to Do the Same
Sally Kohn
July 20, 2012
And Gitlin's blanket assumption that being gay means who you 'sleep with' is reductionist bigotry.
Andrew Sullivan's Kagan Crusade
Benjamin Sarlin
May 11, 2010
The noteworthy difference: In this case, the reductionist rhetoric caricatures fervent supporters rather than staunch critics.
The RNC's Self-Inflicted Wound
Conor Friedersdorf
March 4, 2010

Historical Examples of reductionist

Literate language is a reductionist machine, which we use to look at the world from the perspective of our own experience.
The Civilization of Illiteracy
Mihai Nadin

British Dictionary definitions for reductionist

reductionism

noun

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 Formsreductionist, noun, adjectivereductionistic, 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

Word Origin and History for reductionist

1861 and after in various senses, from reduction + -ist. Philosophical sense, related to reductionism is from 1934.

reductionism

1948, in philosophy, from reduction in specialized sense in philosophy (1914) + -ism. Related: Reductionist.