holism
This term describes a philosophical perspective where the synergy of a system creates a reality that exceeds the sum of its individual components. It is frequently employed in medical, ecological, and sociological discourses to argue against reductionism, suggesting that isolating a single variable ignores the vital context of the entire organism or society. Grammatically, this noun is uncountable. It refers to an abstract concept or theoretical framework, meaning it does not have a plural form and cannot be used with indefinite articles like a holism. To quantify it, one must use phrases such as a philosophy of holism or an approach based on holism.
Used exclusively as an abstract philosophical or theoretical concept.
Meanings
The theory that parts of a whole are in intimate interconnection, such that they cannot exist independently of the whole, or cannot be understood without reference to the whole.
"The doctor practiced a form of medical holism by treating the patient's mental stress alongside their physical symptoms."