Holism and Reductionism: Methods for Analyzing Complex Systems March 16, 2010

Abstract

In order to solve problems the problem must be clearly defined and the purpose of the system must be known (Shibata, 1998). There are methods used to analyze complex systems either as a whole or at the individual component level. Holism looks at the system as a whole and presents the big picture (Raman, 2005). Both methods have their advantages and limitations (Mazocchi, 2008).

Problem solving is a very important but also a very misunderstood science. When attempting to solve problems it is essential to clearly define the problem. This is the first step but is often overlooked. A problem is identified in a system when the system is not performing its desired purpose. A problem is only considered a problem when it causes a deviation from the purpose. So the problem solver in order to identify the problem must understand the purpose of the system (Shibata, 1998).

Method

Several well-known approaches to understanding the purpose of a system and solving problems will be examined. These approaches are reductionism, holism, and systems thinking. Reductionism is an approach that was developed by the French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes. He was the first to introduce reductionism to western thinking and philosophy. Mazzocchi (2008) quotes Descartes who once wrote that “the world can be regarded as a clockwork mechanism; to understand it, one need only investigate the parts and then reassemble each component to recreate the whole” (para. 2). On the other hand Raman (2005) goes on to say “Holism states that by considering the whole picture one gets a more complete view than by analyzing it into its component parts. There is hardly a system without holistic properties” (p. 252) Thus, we will examine the reductionist/holist debate looking at the defining qualities of each approach and how each system of thought is organized (Edmonds, 1999).

Results

There is an ongoing debate on which approach is better reductionism or holism (Edmonds, 1999). Raman (2005) states the following:

Reductionism and holism are like the microscope and the telescope. Two powerful instruments to explore the world, one revealing the smallest constituents of what makes up the world, while the other makes us aware of the cosmic grandeur, and of the unity  behind the diversity. But this does not mean that truth depends on one’s perspective, rather that both reductionism and holism enrich our understanding and appreciation of a situation, each in its own way. (p. 252).

Furthermore, the truth does not depend on one’s perspective whether it be reductionism or holism. Both methods of analysis help to give a different but equally valid understanding of the situation (Raman, 2005).

Discussion

There are limitations of both the holist and redutionist methods of analysis. Mazzocchi (2008) writes about a limitation of the reductionist approach stating that it is “not able to analyse and properly account for the emergent properties that characterize complex systems” (para. 10). Mazzocchi goes on to say that a new theoretical framework needs to be developed that can keep distinction of what is connected while being able to connect without reduction. The methods used to analyze complex systems must be able to cope with many variables and conditions. Mazocchi (2008) gives an example stating “The metaphor of the ‘butterfly effect’—whereby a single butterfly beating its wings can cause a storm—describes, for example, the dependence of a complex system on its initial conditions.” (para. 7). There are often conditions that affect complex systems making analysis difficult.

Figure 1.  .The storm variable is dependent on the flap variable of the butterfly’s wings.

References

Edmonds, B. (1999). Pragmatic Holism (or Pragmatic Reductionism) [Electronic version]. Foundations of Science, 4, 57-82.

Mazzocchi, F. (2008, January). Complexity in biology. Exceeding the limits of reductionism and determinism using complexity theory. Retrieved on July 17, 2009 from http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2246621#b19.

Raman, V. (2005). Scientific Reductionism and Holism: Two Sides

of the Perception of Reality [Electronic version]. Theology & Science, 3, 250-253.

Shibata, H. (1998). Problem Solving: Definition, terminology, and patterns. Retrieved on July 17, 2009 from http://www.mediafrontier.com/Article/PS/PS.htm.