Reductionism: Francis Crick

Reductionism is the idea that complex systems can be understood by breaking them down into their simpler components. Francis Crick, co-discoverer of DNA's structure, exemplified this by applying reductionism to biology, believing that understanding individual molecules could explain life itself. In contrast, emergentism argues that some complex properties arise only when systems are combined, suggesting that simply knowing the parts doesn't fully explain the whole. Crick's perspective reflects a reductionist approach, emphasizing the significance of molecular biology in unraveling the mysteries of life, while recognizing that more comprehensive understanding may require also considering emergent properties.