reductive thinking
[/rɪˈdʌktɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/]
noun
pensamento reducionista
1. a mode of analysis that breaks down complex phenomena into simpler components, often oversimplifying and losing important nuances or interconnections
The reductive thinking in that argument ignored the historical and social context of the problem.
O pensamento reducionista nesse argumento ignorou o contexto histórico e social do problema.
2. the tendency to explain complex systems or behaviors by reducing them to their most basic elements without acknowledging emergent properties
Her reductive thinking about human motivation failed to account for emotional and psychological factors.
Seu pensamento reducionista sobre a motivação humana não levou em conta fatores emocionais e psicológicos.
3. logical fallacy of oversimplification that dismisses complexity in favor of overly simplistic conclusions
The article's reductive thinking presented the economic crisis as resulting from a single cause.
O pensamento reducionista do artigo apresentou a crise econômica como resultado de uma única causa.
In both Brazilian and American academic contexts, the term 'reductive thinking' is used critically to describe flawed reasoning. In Brazil, it's frequently invoked in philosophy, social sciences, and critical discourse to challenge oversimplified arguments about complex social issues. In the USA, it's commonly used in intellectual debates, psychology, and systems thinking discussions to highlight failures of analysis.
NYC Slang
dumbing it down / oversimplifying
Related Idioms & Phrases
putting all eggs in one basket
seeing only the tip of the iceberg
black-and-white thinking
missing the forest for the trees
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