reductionism

[ ri-duhk-shuh-niz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the theory that every complex phenomenon, especially in biology or psychology, can be explained by analyzing the simplest, most basic physical mechanisms that are in operation during the phenomenon.
the practice of simplifying a complex idea, issue, condition, or the like, especially to the point of minimizing, obscuring, or distorting it.

reductionism

/ rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm /

the analysis of complex things, data, etc, into less complex constituents
derogatory.
any theory or method that holds that a complex idea, system, etc, can be completely understood in terms of its simpler parts or components

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