reductionism

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

/ rɪˈdʌk ʃəˌnɪz əm /

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.

Words nearby reductionism

reduction formula, reduction mammaplasty, reduction of chromosomes, reduction potential, reduction ratio, reductionism, reductive, reductivism, reductor, redundancy, redundancy pay

Origin of reductionism

First recorded in 1940–45; reduction + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM reductionism

re·duc·tion·ist, noun, adjectivere·duc·tion·is·tic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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

/ (rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm) /

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 forms of reductionism

reductionist, 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