wholeness

Wholeness refers to the quality of being complete, undivided, or integrated. It describes entities—such as people, systems, or ideas—that function as coherent units, where the whole is more than the sum of its parts.

In philosophy and systems theory, wholeness is associated with holism, the view that systems should be studied as integrated wholes rather than merely as collections of parts. This perspective highlights interdependence, feedback, and emergent properties that arise from component interactions.

In health and well-being, wholeness often denotes the integration of physical, mental, and social dimensions of a person. Holistic or integrative approaches in medicine and psychotherapy seek to address patterns and root causes rather than isolated symptoms, aiming for balanced functioning across dimensions of life.

In spirituality and religion, wholeness can signify alignment with a perceived higher order, balance between inner life and outward action, or a sense of unity with the world, the divine, or a larger purpose. The term is frequently used to describe a fulfilled, ethically coherent life.

In ecology, business, and education, wholeness is tied to systems thinking and sustainability. It emphasizes that components interact and that changes in one part can affect the entire system, encouraging approaches that preserve integrity and resilience over time.

Critiques note that the pursuit of wholeness can obscure important differences among parts or contexts and risks overgeneralization. Proponents argue that holistic perspectives offer more durable explanations and solutions by accounting for interconnections and emergent properties.