kokonaisnäkemyksen

Kokonaisnäkemyksen is a Finnish term describing a perspective that emphasizes seeing phenomena as a whole rather than as isolated parts. It foregrounds interconnections, systemic dynamics, and the wider context in which events occur, aiming for explanations and judgments that integrate multiple elements and disciplines. In practice, the term signals an approach that seeks coherence across different domains and scales, from individual components to broader systems.

Etymology and usage note: kokonaisnäkemyksen is a genitive form derived from kokonaisnäkemys, formed from kokonainen meaning “whole” and näkemyksen from näkemyksestä meaning “view” or “perspective.” The expression is commonly used in Finnish discourse to refer to a holistic or systems-oriented view, for example in statements like “kokonaisnäkemyksen mukaan,” meaning “according to the holistic view.”

Contexts and applications: the concept is used across fields such as education, healthcare, urban planning, environmental policy, and business management to emphasize integrative thinking that accounts for social, economic, environmental, and technical dimensions. It often accompanies methodologies that prioritize interdisciplinarity, long-term impact, and the balancing of trade-offs within a system rather than optimizing a single component.

Relation to related concepts: kokonaisnäkemyksen aligns with holism and systems thinking, contrasting with reductionist or parts-focused approaches. It also intersects with integrative or transdisciplinary methods that seek to synthesize knowledge from diverse perspectives to address complex problems.

See also: holism, systems thinking, interdisciplinary approach, integrative methodology.