Definitions for reductionismrɪˈdʌk ʃəˌnɪz əm
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
re•duc•tion•ismrɪˈdʌk ʃəˌnɪz əm(n.)
the theory that every complex phenomenon, esp. in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon.
Category: Biology, Psychology
the practice of oversimplifying a complex idea or issue to the point of minimizing or distorting it.
Category: Common Vocabulary
Origin of reductionism:
1940–45
re•duc`tion•is′tic(adj.)
Princeton's WordNet
reductionism(noun)
a theory that all complex systems can be completely understood in terms of their components
reductionism(noun)
the analysis of complex things into simpler constituents
Wiktionary
reductionism(Noun)
an approach to studying complex systems or ideas by reducing them to a set of simpler components
reductionism(Noun)
any of several theories holding that complex systems or ideas can always be reduced to a set of simpler components
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