Reductionism vs. Holism

Question 1

Define the term ‘Reductionism.’

Answer 1

Reductionism attempts to break down behaviour into its constituent parts and using single factors such as individual genes or particular hormones to account for specific behaviours.

Question 2

Define the term ‘Holism.’

Answer 2

A Holist approach sees human behaviour as too complex to be reduced to single explanations. Human beings are seen as more than the sum of individual parts but as a whole.