reductionism

noun

re·​duc·​tion·​ism ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌni-zəm 

1

: explanation of complex life-science processes and phenomena in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry

also : a theory or doctrine that complete reductionism is possible

2

: a procedure or theory that reduces complex data and phenomena to simple terms

reductionist

ri-ˈdək-sh(ə-)nist 

noun or adjective

reductionistic

ri-ˌdək-shə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

Examples of reductionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In more recent times, a different kind of reductionism has skewed Western understanding. —Sebastian Strangio, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2020

To me, this reductionism, along with the supposedly timeless reality of mathematics, meant that human experience could be overcome through a higher, more complete perspective. —Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024

Kauffman has come to believe that reductionism can take us just so far. —Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023

Albrecht’s clock ambiguity and Smolin’s critiques of string theory expose chinks in the armor of reductionism. —Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Medical Definition

reductionism

noun

re·​duc·​tion·​ism ri-ˈdək-shə-ˌniz-əm 

1

: the attempt to explain all biological processes by the same explanations (as by physical laws) that chemists and physicists use to interpret inanimate matter

also : the theory that complete reductionism is possible

2

: a procedure or theory that reduces complex data or phenomena to simple terms

reductionist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

adjective

or reductionistic

-ˌdək-shə-ˈnis-tik