Holism vs Reductionism Madhavi Devi Rockandla Wilmington University

Running Head: HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 1 

Holism vs. Reductionism Madhavi Devi Rockandla Wilmington University 

HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 2 

Table of Contents Holism Vs Reductionism.................................................................................................................3 Reductionism...............................................................................................................................3 

Holism .........................................................................................................................................4 Advantages of Holism on Reductionism.........................................................................................5 

Need of Holism over reductionism..................................................................................................6 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7 References .......................................................................................................................................8 HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 3 

Holism Vs Reductionism Holism is referred as alternate approach for system thinking, it not only identify the parts but also helps in understanding the evolution of new entities from the old entities. So, Holism is referred as better approach than reductionism in terms of systems thinking. Reductionism helps in detecting the parts, identifying the working conditions and helps in understanding the interconnections of network in a system. Holism and reductionism helps in understanding the nature of the system and helps in improving the systems thinking. System thinking is applicable in almost all aspects of the world. It is used in sociology, physiology, Information technology, biology, etc. One must think of the situation in a better way based on the field of study and analysis (Jackson, 2003). Reductionism The term reductionism is defined as fragmentation of objects or events from a complex issue to small divisions in order to solve it individually (Ostreng). In order to reduce the stress of a complex issues, the each divided section of the problem appeared in a project is handed predominantly. At some instance, this strategy fails when these individual areas are linked together. The problem at each different level are solved using a different methodologies, which does not fulfill as a solution when a whole scenario of issue is concerned. To be accurate, this strategy is not able to consider the wholeness of the program because it primarily focuses on individual tasks (Ostreng). The analysis of an issue could be a higher task in reduction process. The risk becomes more when we are pre structuring the reduced parts of issue together. The predictors are to be considered in an order. The interconnection fails as of each task is dependent on one another which leads to a difficulty in achieving output. Due to unawareness of all attributes or nature of HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 4 components, it is a major risk in implementation of reductionism when dealing with complex issues. This may conflict to the huge loss in terms of every aspect, especially time and cost (Ostreng). It is very obvious that knowing the connections between the elements must be given greater concern than that of the qualities of the elements (Ostreng). Holism Holism is not a new concept; it has been there for social and sciences general qualitative purpose, for enthomethodologies and for methodological literature for case studies. Holism provides a tendency to check and understand the object as a whole. If we follow holistic approach for our case studies, then the cases will be referred as case oriented. Holistic approach helps the researchers to examine the processes by themselves and find the conclusion on the complex information such as processes, configuration, patterns, etc. This approach also helps in understanding the system in a collective manner such as team spirit, group culture, working for an organization as a whole. Holistic observation helps in understanding the physical and verbal behavior spontaneously and stand point of holistic observation use non stimuli verbal rather than verbal stimuli. Holistic observation must kick off by the research questions; the best scenario here is to run through the material for each individual question. Holistic approach also helps in understanding the objects in terms of pictures; it helps in parallel viewing the objects in reality (Verscherun, 2001). The research strategy adopted with holistic approach uses the qualitative comparison rather than qualification; it helps in causal interference and promotes theory building. The better approach for holistic strategy is available in an iterative parallel strategy, it helps many research HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 5 academics in unplanned manner depending on the need of an individual, and for example the information which is gathered at the last can be used to build the earlier stages of the project. There is one more qualitative methodology, which is referred as integral part of iterative parallel strategy and we cannot experience the slight difference between analyzing the research material and writing research material to make a report. There are other aspects of iterative processes and provides a way for reciprocal relationship between theory and data (Verscherun, 2001). Advantages of Holism on Reductionism Holism has many advantages than reductionism; it is anti thesis of reductionism. To understand the whole system it provides the holistic approach. It not only divides the interconnections of components of a system but also helps in understanding the system as a whole (Jackson, 2006). Holism helps in pointing the attitude or behavior of whole structure and helps in explaining the principles. There are some advantages with reductionism as well; it helps in explaining the system with respect to data but lacks the ability to find the necessary principles. Reductionism also does not provide philosophical basis for study and research purpose. A perfect explanation is provided by the holism, if there is sufficient data and interaction between the components is available ( Malanson, 1999) According to considering complexity published by University of Iowa (1999) The widespread rejection of reductionism in ecology has led to the search of reconciliation through an explicit recognition of the value of working along the gradient between reductionism and holism. One approach which I will explore here is in the “science of complexity” (p.747). HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 6 The main idea behind science of complexity is to explain and make understand the process which is derived from reductionism is added to form complex holistic systems, which is referred as Complex Adaptive System (CAS). CAS provides a fruitful way to address all the empirical questions and reductionism-holism concept; this helps in proper balancing between holism and reductionism in physical geography ( Malanson, 1999) Need of Holism over reductionism Due to the complexity, nature and interconnection of systems, holism holds a better edge over reductionism. Many organizations in today’s world face lots of setbacks in terms of progress and growth, with the help of holism necessary alterations can be made that helps in successful running of an organization. If the chairpersons or a manager does not follow holistic approach then the company might face lots of consequences. With the help of holistic approach each and every component of a system can be analyzed and system as a whole can be understood in much better way. On the other side reductionism does not provides sufficient information to understand the system as a whole. (Jackson, 2006). HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 7 Conclusion This research paper will give us the basic idea of holism and as well as reductionism. We have understood clearly, how the reductionism differentiates each and individual component and holism also plays an important role in order to understand the system as a whole. With this research paper we also know that system thinking is used in almost all aspects of life. This paper also gives the clear explanation regarding holism and reductionism. Also we have learnt that the holism provides many advantages over reductionism. The conclusion we come across is that; in order to understand any kind of system, we need to understand its working criteria, the components involvement and interconnection of network. For this purpose we need to follow set of rules or procedures and holism is one of the best systems thinking application. HOLISM vs. REDUCTIONISM 8 References Jackson, M.C. (2003). Systems thinking: creative holism for managers. (pp. 3-5). England,UK:John Wiley&Sons Ltd. Jackson, M.C (2006). Creative holism: a critical systems approach to complex problem situations. Systems research & behavioral science, 23(5), 647-657. doi: 10.1002/sres.799 Malanson, G. P. (1999). Considering complexity. Annals of The Association Of American Geographers, 89(4), 746. Ostreng, W. (n.d.). Reductionism versus holism – contrasting approaches?. Retrieved from http://www.cas.uio.no/Publications/Seminar/Consilience_Ostreng.pdf Verschuren, P.M (2001). Holism versus Reductionism in Modern Social Science Research, Quality and Quantity, 35(4). 389.