reductionism
[ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uh m]
- 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.
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Origin of reductionism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for reductionist
Contemporary Examples
Democrats tend to believe that the facts will set them free, and that spinning them is reductionist.
And Gitlin's blanket assumption that being gay means who you 'sleep with' is reductionist bigotry.
The noteworthy difference: In this case, the reductionist rhetoric caricatures fervent supporters rather than staunch critics.
Historical Examples
Literate language is a reductionist machine, which we use to look at the world from the perspective of our own experience.
The Civilization of IlliteracyMihai Nadin
reductionism
- 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
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for reductionist
reductionism
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper