Local Reductionism

Local reductionism is the idea that complex systems can be understood by breaking them down into their smaller, simpler parts. In general knowledge, this means studying individual components—like atoms or cells—to explain how they form larger entities, such as molecules or organisms. While local reductionism is valuable for gaining insights, it has limitations; the interactions and relationships between parts can lead to behaviors and properties that can’t be fully understood by examining parts in isolation. In essence, it emphasizes the importance of both parts and their interactions in comprehending complex phenomena.