holism

views updated

ho·lism / ˈhōlˌizəm/ • n. chiefly Philos. the theory that parts of a whole are in intimate interconnection, such that they cannot exist independently of the whole, or cannot be understood without reference to the whole, which is thus regarded as greater than the sum of its parts. Holism is often applied to mental states, language, and ecology. The opposite of atomism. ∎  Med. the treating of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease.DERIVATIVES: ho·list adj. & n.

More From encyclopedia.com