Reductionism vs. Holism
Reductionism vs. Holism
Reductionism focuses on the complexity resulting from the simplicity of an explanation. Means that, in providing an explanation to complex phenomena, such as, human behavior, there is the need to reduce the various constituent elements of these phenomena. On the other hand, the holism focuses on the wholeness of the whole unite the total sum of different parts. These two different approaches come as a result of the properties in human behavior that cannot be explained in terms of properties of the elements that there are derived. This paper will examine the Reductionist perspective first then the holism approach. I will conclude by providing my own view concerning these two perspectives.
Reductionism
Reductionism holds the belief that human behavior can best be explained when it is broken down into simpler and smaller components. This means that for one to best understand human behavior, it is essential to examine the very simple and smaller parts of that contribute to the whole of the human system. The simple explanations of these smaller parts can best help in understanding the whole complex nature of human behavior. The concept of reductionism is derived from parsimony which is a scientific assumption that requires that any complex phenomena should be best explained through the simplest principles. The reductionism supporters argue that mental and behavioral processes have to be explained within the basic sciences framework such as chemistry and physiology (Looijien, 2000, p 21-23).
Any kind of behavior explanation that is explained in its simplest form is considered to be under reductionist. Laboratory and experimental approach in various psychology areas, such as, cognitive, biological, and behaviorism indicates the reductionist’s position or view. The main goal of reductionism is to reduce any complex phenomena such as the human mental process and behavior into simple variables that provide an easy way to identify an effect and a cause. According to different behaviorists like Skinner, they show that all human behavior is developed from the past learning that they have had. To these behaviorists there is a relationship between stimuli and how we respond to them, which form the basis in how we behave and what we know. This kind of explanation is a reductionist view since a complex behavior is reduced into a relationship between response and stimulus.
Another reductionist view is in the biological approach towards abnormality. Biological approach indicates that psychological problems should be treated as any other disease using drugs. The identification of the cause of mental illness as a result of chemical imbalance indicates the reductionist view.
There are different levels of reductionism. The lowest level provides an explanation on physiology by explaining behavior based on brain structure, genes and neurochemical. The highest level is based on socio-cultural issues that influence human behavior. This means that human behavior is influenced by how and where we live. Between the high and low level various social, cognitive, and behavioral explanations are provided. Those for reductionist indicate that this approach is scientific. In other words, the breaking down of complex phenomena into simple forms indicates that they can be tested scientifically to provide evidence. However, some refute this claim by saying that this view does not have validity (Hill, 2001, p 78).
The Holistic psychology
Holism approach looks at the wholeness of a given psychological phenomena rather than its constituent parts. The whole is, therefore, the greater aspect to be considered than its different parts. In humanistic approach, the qualitative methods signify the holistic position. This view is also reflected in social psychology. This approach provides the suggestion that there are various explanation levels with various emergent properties. These properties cannot be reduced. Examples of holism views in psychology are the humanistic approach and gestalt approach. Gestalt approach is used in the study of perception. It shows that human behavior can best be understood in a sum and not in parts. This means that understanding the meaning can best be understood based on the context and not in single circumstances.
Therefore, based on Gestalt psychology, study of human behavior can best be viewed in totalities, complete structures and as wholes. Holism is, therefore, an approach which provides explanations of different levels, such as psychological, environmental, and biological (Diriwächter, & Valsiner 2008, p 58-78). Other examples of holism in psychology include; abnormal psychology, psychoanalysis, social and humanistic approaches.
Despite of this point of view, critiques argue that, there are other circumstances that are not appropriate in studying human behavior as a whole. This is because there are certain emergent aspects that should be accounted for when providing an explanation of the whole being. Without considering these elements, then there will be no point in trying to understand the overall meaning of human behavior (Lawrence, & Waeisz, 1998, p 201-34).
The main psychological approaches in holism and reductionism
In biological approach, psychological reductionism is used to provide an explanation to behavior based of various mechanisms. Evolutionary studies of biology use reductionism approach in the study of genes effects when explaining typical behavior such as depression or altruism. Cognitive approach also uses reductionism principle. For instance, in the approaches of information processing the machine systems analogy and the machine’s simple components do help in explaining and describing behavior.
The connection of networks and the internet do, however, uses the holistic approach. On behaviorists approach, it uses environmental reductionism by including aspects such as punishment, reinforcements, responses and stimulus (Brain, 2001, p 182). The psychodynamic approach looks at the simplification of a complex aspect meaning that it is based on reductionist view. Human behavior can be explained in elements, such as, the ego, id, unconscious mind and the superego. Humanism comes as a result of its opposing reaction towards dehumanizing the perspectives of psychology that made an attempt in reducing human behavior into simple aspect. They argue that holism is the best approach in fully understanding behavior and mind of an individual.
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