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Abstract

Reductionism is a philosophical and scientific approach that seeks to understand complex systems by breaking them down into their simpler, constituent parts. This methodology is foundational across various fields, including physics, biology, psychology, and social sciences. Reductionism posits that by analyzing individual components, researchers can gain insights into the nature and behavior of the entire system. Historically rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and further developed during the scientific revolution, reductionism has facilitated significant advancements in knowledge, particularly in areas like genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience.Despite its advantages—such as clarity, predictive power, and systematic investigation—reductionism has faced criticism for oversimplifying complex phenomena. Critics argue that this approach often neglects emergent properties, interactions, and the broader contextual factors that influence systems. In psychology and social sciences, reductionism may overlook the social, cultural, and environmental influences that shape human behavior.Recognizing these limitations, many researchers advocate for a more integrative approach that combines reductionist insights with holistic perspectives, known as systems thinking.