Holistic

Holism (from holos, a Greek word meaning whole) is the idea that the properties of a system cannot be determined or explained by the sum of its components alone. The word, along with the adjective holistic, was coined in the early 1920s by Jan Smuts. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Smuts defined holism as "The tendency in nature to form wholes that are greater than the sum of the parts through creative evolution."

Holism (or nonreductionism) is sometimes described as the opposite of reductionism, although proponents of scientific reductionism state that it is better regarded as the opposite of greedy reductionism. It may also be contrasted with atomism.

Responses to holism

Holism, especially in its metaphysical varieties, is controversial. Many scientists and philosophers regard some of these claims as unfalsifiable or less meaningful than holism's proponents do. Others see them as incorrect or as pseudoscience. Some forms, however, like epistemological and confirmation holism, are mainstream ideas in contemporary philosophy.

Similarly mainstream, complexity theory (sometimes referred to as "complexity science", such as at the Santa Fe Institute), comprises a holistic, 'top-down' approach towards understanding complex adaptive systems and as such its approach towards the growth of knowledge can be construed as being a polar opposite to reductionist science. A general theory of complexity has been realized, and numerous complexity institutes and departments have sprung up around the world.

See also philosophy of language.

Holistic healing

A holistic approach to healing recognizes that the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical elements of each person comprise a system, and attempts to treat the whole person, concentrating on the cause of the illness as well as symptoms. This approach often focuses on traditional medicine and avoid pharmaceutical drugs. Examples of holistic therapies include Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Reiki and Acupuncture.

See also

• Reductionism
• Gestalt
• Buckminster Fuller
• Holism in science
• Synergetics
• Synergy
• Homeopathy

External links

• Definitions of "holism" on Google
• Definitions of "holistic" on Google
• Of Nature's Holism - coevolution in ecosystems.
• Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy article: "Holism and Nonseparability in Physics"
• U of Oregon Physics Dept on Holism
• History of 'Holons'
• Holism in Ayurveda
• Holistic Lifestyle Tradeshow and Conference featuring the latest in holistic treatments, products and therapies. Canadian Cities Host this event, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto.