Holism versus Reductionism

Differences between Holism and Reductionism

The term reductionism refers to the fragmentation of objects or events from a complex issue into small segments in order to solve it individually (Ostreng, n.d.). To a reductionist, the simple is the source of the complex. The implication of that is that, to explain a complex phenomenon, human behavior, for instance, it’s favorable to ‘reduce’ it into simpler constituent elements. That is, in order to ease the stress of a complex issue, the issue should get divided into simpler sections after which each part of the problem in the project gets handled predominantly. The issues with each different section are solved using distinct methodologies, which may not be a solution where a whole scenario of issue is concerned. More directly, reductionism is unable to mull over the wholeness of the program because it primarily focuses on individual tasks (Ostreng n.d.).

Holism is on the other hand referred as an alternative approach for system thinking, it not only identify the parts but also helps in understanding the evolution of new entities from the older entities. Therefore, holism is considered a better approach than reductionism in terms of systems thinking (Allwood, 2003). In contrast to reductionism, for a holist, the whole is more than the constituent parts. The implication of that is a complex phenomenon, e.g. human behavior has their own attributes which are not explicable in terms of properties. Reductionism help detects the parts, identifying the working conditions and in understanding the interconnections of these components within a system. Holism helps in understanding the nature of the whole system and its emergent issues which are irreducible. System thinking is applicable to almost all aspects of the world. (Jackson, 2003).

Systems thinking

Systems thinking is the process of understanding how things which are regarded as systems influence each other as a whole. In nature, systems thinking is analogous to how various elements of the ecosystem such as water, air, plants and animals work together survive or perish. In organizations, this consists of how people, processes, and structures work together to make the organization healthy or unhealthy, safe or unsafe. Further, systems thinking attempts to demonstrate how small catalytic events, which are separated by time and distance can effect significant changes in complex systems. When individuals gain more understanding of systems, they are in a better position to identify the leverage points that lead to their desired outcomes (Williams & Hummelbrunner, 2012).

Systems thinking (Holism) in problem-solving

Problem-solving is an imperative science which gets misunderstood. When setting to solve problems, it is essential first clearly to define the problem. This is the first step that is frequently overlooked. This is mostly because the whole often seems to take on a form that is complex and sometimes not recognizable. The whole always emerges from the interactions between constituent parts, which affect each other in a complex network of relationships. It is thus the whole that gives meaning to the parts and their contacts. Analogously, a living organism gives meaning to the heart, lungs, and the liver. A family gives meaning to the roles of husband, wife, son, and the daughter (Mella, 2012)

Many organizations today face a broad range of setbacks which maneuvers in terms of progress and growth. With the help of systems thinking, necessary alterations within organizations network can be amended. This will help identify hitches and thereby return the successful running of an organization. With the assistance of system thinking, every component of a system can be analyzed and the system as a whole can be understood in much better way.

Systems thinking help the researchers to examine the processes by themselves and find the conclusion on the complex information such as processes, configuration, patterns, etc. This also helps in understanding the system in a collective manner such as team spirit, group culture, working for an organization as a whole. It also helps in understanding of objects in terms of pictures, this to parallel viewing of objects in reality (Mella, 2012)

The research strategy adopted with systems thinking uses the qualitative comparison instead of qualification; it helps in causal interference and promotes theory building. System thinking can also be applied in health care facilities. A system thinking approach in health system requires the concerned stakeholders to work together to design to innovative interventions. Due to the complexity and the diverse nature of healthcare interventions, these organizations need to use mixed methods actionable results (Mella, 2012)

. System thinking is therefore required to achieve this collective goal since clinical trials may take a lot of time if no sharing of ideas or there exist boundaries amidst the stakeholders.

Other applications

Apart from problem solving, holism (Systems thinking) have many other applications in the world today. As philosophers would say, there are holistic approaches out there for almost everything ranging from quantum mathematics to physics, biology, ecology, climatology, psychology, anthropology, and many others. Wherever there erupts chaos and complexity there exist an opportunity to gain some insight by looking at the larger picture of the problem rather than just concentrate on the isolated parts. It is a fact that holistic approaches are by definition most appropriate for complex systems like living organisms. It is not only so much a matter of solving isolated problems, but also for improving health, quality of life, civil planning, modeling, etc (Simonovic, 2013).

Conclusion

This paper gives us the basic ideas of holism and reductionism. From the laid down facts, one finds how reductionism and holism play important roles in understanding of a system. One also identifies that system thinking is used in almost all spheres of life. This paper also gives the definite clarification regarding holism and reductionism and the diversity of the two approaches. We also learn that holism is synonymous with system thinking since both takes a subject as a whole. Both entails gaining insight into the issue as a whole, not just from its component parts, but also from the interaction of these parts. It's also admissible to lay a conclusion that, in order to understand any kind of system, one need to put emphasis on its working criteria, the components involved and interconnection of these components. For this purpose, one learns that holism is one of the best applications of systems thinking (Jackson, 2007).

References

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Allwood, J. (2003). The concepts of holism and reductionism in sociological theory. Go?teborg: Universitet, Sociologiska institutionen

Jackson, M. (2007). Systems thinking: creative holism for managers. England, UK: John Wiley &Sons Ltd.

Malanson, G. P. (1999). Considering complexity.Annals of The Association Of American Ostreng, W. (n.d.). Reductionism versus holism contrasting approaches.

Mella, P. (2012). Systems thinking: Intelligence in action. Milan: Springer.

Simonovic, S. (2013). Systems approach to management of disasters: Methods and applications. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley

Williams, B., & Hummelbrunner, R. (2010). Systems Concepts in Action: A Practitioner's Toolkit. Palo Alto: Stanford University Press

Carolyn Morgan is the author of this paper. A senior editor at Melda Research in nursing research paper writing service. if you need a similar paper you can place your order for a custom research paper from custom nursing writing service.