Holism (Noun)
Meaning
The theory that the parts of any whole cannot exist and cannot be understood except in their relation to the whole; "holism holds that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts"; "holistic theory has been applied to ecology and language and mental states".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The approach to medicine emphasizes holism, treating the entire body and mind rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
- Holism in ecology considers the interconnectedness of all living organisms within an ecosystem.
- The psychologist's holistic theory suggests that mental states cannot be reduced to individual components but must be understood as a unified whole.
- The concept of holism in language study views words and phrases as part of a larger system of meaning.
- In her philosophy, holism holds that individual experiences are inextricably linked to the broader social and cultural context.