What is holistic? Since the word has a foreign origin and is associated with a science such as philosophy, it will not be possible to give its interpretation in a nutshell. In addition, it went beyond the scope of philosophical science and began to be used in other areas, such as medicine. Therefore, you need to focus and do a little research to understand it. More information about the fact that this is holistic will be described in this review.
Let's turn to the dictionary
Acquaintance with the meaning of the word “holistic” would be appropriate to begin with its vocabulary interpretation. There it is marked "book". It is further said that it is associated with the noun “holism” and denotes a concept based on a holistic approach to the phenomena and objects surrounding us.
As for the origin of the word, it goes back to ancient Greece. In the ancient Greek language there is an adjective ὅλος, meaning "complete, whole, whole, whole." According to etymologists, it was formed from the pre-Indo-European basis of solwos in the meaning of "whole."
Further, in order to understand that this is holistic, one should consider the meaning of the word "holism", to which the explanatory dictionary refers. It is a philosophical term, and is interpreted in dictionaries from two perspectives - in a narrow and broad sense.
In the narrow sense
Holism is a methodological principle - the principle of integrity. It, like the term itself, was formulated by the politician and philosopher from South Africa J. Smuts in 1926. In his book "Holism and Evolution," he formulated his principle based on the words of Aristotle, taken from "Metaphysics." It sounds as follows: "The whole is always greater than the sum of its constituent parts."
Here is an example of the use of the word in the narrow sense: “The Fundamentals of Theoretical Economics” says that methodological holism is opposed to methodological individualism. In the humanities, the holistic principle is expressed in the formula: the social whole is not only larger, but also much more important than the sum of its constituent parts. ”
In a broad sense
This is the position taken by scientists in philosophical science, which relates to the problem of correlation of the whole and its parts. This trend is inherent in modern idealistic philosophy and proceeds from the recognition of the qualitative originality and primacy of the whole regarding its parts.
An example of the use of the word in the broad sense: “The book of Hans Truss“ Geobotany ”says that Clements is accused by Igler of holism. The latter is a trend in the philosophy of idealism, which is trying to find family ties between many phenomena that do not actually exist. "
Cultural differences
The brochure “Culture and Thinking Systems” considers a set of facts that indicate the great influence of culture on the processes of human cognition. The authors conclude that carriers of Western and East Asian cultures are characterized by different systems of thinking.
So, residents of East Asia have holistic thinking. Understanding the causes of events, they look for them in a holistic field, taking into account it. They use relatively little formal logic and categories, relying on “dialectical” thinking.
As for Westerners, they are more analytical. They focus more on specific objects and on the categories with which they can be correlated. To explain the behavior of an object, it is easier for them to rely on rules and include formal logic.
The Holistic Detective Agency Dirk Gently
In the United States in 2016, a fantastic series with the same name appeared. This agency is called holistic, as well as detective Dirk Gently. He claims that in the universe all processes are interconnected and are parts of a single whole. This applies to a pretty corgi running along the streets, and a black kitten found at the crime scene, and a psycho killer who considers herself invulnerable, and mysterious intelligence agents, and even a lottery ticket that promises a good win.
In the course of the plot, all parts of the puzzle are combined into a single whole, and suddenly the seeming atmosphere of surrealism and madness gains conviction and integrity. Unambiguously determine the genre of the film is impossible. This is both a comedy of the absurd, and mystic, and detective. The series is based on a series of books written by Douglas Adams.
Holistic medicine
It is one of the areas of alternative medicine. She considers the human body as a whole and takes into account the interconnection of all organs and systems. From the point of view of holism, the whole world and all living things are one. Each individual is a part of the universe, reflecting its structure. The holographic structure of DNA is a material carrier of integrity, its embodied algorithm.
Holistic medicine appeared in the United States in the early 90s of the last century, later spreading to Europe as an alternative direction existing within the framework of traditional medical practices. It is based on the concept of indirect effects on the affected organs. Usually use the so-called energetically active points.
Today in the United States about 50% of the total population resort to the help of specialists in holistic medicine. Especially great demand for the services of professionals involved in chiropractic and acupuncture. It is believed that thanks to these techniques, many diseases are cured. This eliminates the complications caused by the use of pharmaceuticals. In Russia, this direction, like other non-traditional practices, is not recognized by the official scientific community.
In conclusion, studying the issue of what is holistic can also consider one of the approaches to eating food.
Healthy eating
Such nutrition is one that helps to maintain good health. In order to feel vigorous in the morning, get up in a good mood, and easily recover strength after a hard working day, a number of doctors advise switching to holistic nutrition. What does it consist of?
Its principle is quite simple - the inclusion in the diet of foods that have been cooked to a minimum. This applies in particular to vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to eat potatoes with a peel, so it is digested much better.
The main preference should be given to cereals, salads, stewed vegetables, sprouted grains, baked or steamed fish, green tea. You need less to eat sweet, meat, fried.