reductionism

/rɪˈdʌkʃənɪzəm/
noun
  1. The practice of explaining complex things by breaking them down into simpler parts, often criticized for oversimplifying.
    • In psychology, reductionism might explain emotions only as chemical reactions in the brain.
    • Some scientists argue that reductionism ignores the way parts interact as a whole system.
    • The philosopher warned that reductionism can miss the bigger picture of human experience.
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