strictWhole

strictWhole is a concept that emerged within certain philosophical and logical frameworks, particularly those dealing with the nature of parts and wholes. It posits that a whole is strictly identical to the sum of its parts, and that no emergent properties or qualities can arise that are not already present in the constituent elements. This contrasts with theories that allow for holism, where the whole is considered to be greater than the sum of its parts, exhibiting novel characteristics due to the interaction and organization of its components.

Adherents of strictWhole argue for a reductionist view of reality, where complex phenomena can ultimately be explained by understanding their most basic constituents. For instance, in a strictWhole perspective on a table, the table is nothing more than the wood, screws, and glue arranged in a specific configuration. There is no "tableness" that exists independently of these physical components. This viewpoint often emphasizes parsimony and avoids positing entities or properties that cannot be directly traced back to fundamental elements.

The implications of strictWhole can extend to various fields. In metaphysics, it might inform discussions on composition and identity. In science, it aligns with reductionist approaches that seek to explain macro-level phenomena through micro-level interactions. However, criticisms often point to the difficulty in accounting for emergent phenomena observed in complex systems, such as consciousness, life, or social structures, which appear to possess properties not readily discernible in their individual parts.