Abstract

VINIEGRA VELAZQUEZ, Leonardo. Scientific reductionism and social control of mind: Part I. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2014, vol.71, n.4, pp.252-257. ISSN 1665-1146.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmhimx.2014.05.001.

The first part of this essay starts from the conventional premise of reductionism, which states 'the whole is nothing more than the sum of its parts'. According to scientific reductionism (SR), knowledge of the complex can only be achieved through simpler components, which means complex systems are explained by reduction to its most basic parts. Three kinds of SR are defined: ontological, theoretical and methodological. SR origins dwell within the efforts made by early humans to understand natural phenomena and its importance to survival. According to E. Morin, the reason behind SR being the favorite approach in science comes from the dysjunction, reduction, simplification and exclusion paradigm. The holistic approach as opposed to SR studies vital phenomena from the idea of complexity. From this perspective, not only does SR have almost no relevance in the solution of humanity's greatest problems like society inequality, human dignity and environmental degradation, it also contributes to maintain the statu quo.

Keywords : Scientific reductionism; Holism; Life and health sciences; Criticism; Social progress.

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