dotism

Dotism refers to a theoretical philosophical concept rather than a widely recognized or established doctrine. It is sometimes used colloquially to describe a belief system that places an extreme emphasis on minute details or individual elements, often to the detriment of understanding the broader context or the whole. In this sense, it is analogous to an over-focus on "dots" without appreciating the "picture" they collectively form.

The term itself is not standard in academic philosophy and appears more often in informal discussions or critiques of certain approaches. It might be applied to individuals or groups who exhibit an obsessive attention to specific, often insignificant, particulars. This could manifest in areas like nitpicking, a tendency to get lost in minutiae, or a difficulty in synthesizing information to grasp overarching themes.

While not a formal philosophy, the underlying idea of "dotism" highlights a potential cognitive bias. It suggests a tendency to perceive reality as a collection of isolated points rather than interconnected phenomena. This perspective can hinder effective problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking by preventing the recognition of patterns and relationships between individual components. The concept serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing detailed observation with holistic understanding.