kokonaisuutenaan

Kokonaisuutenaan is a term found in some Finnish-language theoretical writings used to describe a methodological stance that prioritizes analyzing a subject in its totality. The approach emphasizes the relations and interactions among parts and the emergent properties that arise when components are considered as an integrated whole, rather than studied in isolation.

Etymology and sense: The word is built from kokonaisuus, meaning wholeness or totality, with derivational endings that convey a sense of “in its entirety.” In usage, kokonaisuutenaan denotes a position or method rather than a concrete object, conveying the idea of assessing phenomena as unified systems.

Usage and applications: The concept appears in discussions across philosophy, aesthetics, design thinking, and qualitative research. A kokonaisuutenaan-oriented analysis seeks to synthesize structure, function, context, and dynamics, treating elements as interdependent. For example, in film studies, one might evaluate how narrative development, visual style, sound design, and cultural context interact to convey meaning as a single, cohesive experience.

Origins and reception: The term is relatively niche and most commonly encountered in Finnish-language discourse. It is not widely adopted in English-language scholarship, and its precise usage can vary among writers who reference it.

Related concepts: Holism, systems thinking, gestalt, integrative analysis.

See also: holism, systems theory, gestalt psychology, integrative approaches.