reductionism

[ ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. 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.
2. the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.

reductionism

/ rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
2. 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

• reˌductionˈistic, adjective
• reˈductionist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• re·duc·tion·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reductionism¹

First recorded in 1940–45; reduction + -ism

Example Sentences

I argue that we can account for the evolution of consciousness only if we reject reductionism about consciousness.

From Scientific American

He added, “This is quite different from the many psychoanalysts who tend to assume the primacy of psychic reality and believe that psychology determines culture and society — another form of psychoanalytic reductionism.”

From New York Times

Dynamical separability is “kind of an assumption of reductionism,” Ormrod says.

From Scientific American

To attribute this tectonic change purely to economics is crass reductionism akin to Marxism-Leninism, swept into the dustbin of history.

From Seattle Times

I also want to speak to Jesse’s point about the reductionism of “Paradise Square.”

From New York Times