theory/empirical study using reductionist approach?

Question

explain how one theory or empirical study from the biological perspective demonstrates a reductionist approach

Answer 1

A reductionist approach in science means that you can explain phenomena ( e.g. biological systems ) in terms of smaller components. Thus, the old way of ascribing "humors" to bodies has given way to organs, cells, bacteria, etc.

That the reductionist approach can be carried too far is demonstrated when more basic components do not provide the expanatory power of more complex ones. Thus, it is not necessary or even useful to proceed to the atomic level from the molecular in describing biological systems.

Another example of the same thing is the effort to ascribe individual functions and dysfunctions to single genes only to find that more often it is the effects of numbers of genes in combination that governs.

Another example is the effort to proceed from the overall approach of Freud to mental function and dysfunction to more basic physiological units. Freud, himself, believed that this reductionism would eventually occur ( being trained as a physiologist himself ) but the success in explaining such diseases as depression in terms of neurotransmitters as serotonin, norepiephrin, etc has faltered and a combination of "couch therapy" and chemistry seems now to be most effective.

Answer 2

The Lorax... You help prove the content of this post...are you really this obtuse? Hardliners of ANY type are generally statistic magicians and spin doctors. However, I don't really notice any positive effects for the male half of the population from their efforts at the expense of the female half of the population...feel free to enlighten me though. Furthermore, MRA's are on the defensive against feminists, whereas feminists are on the offensive against men period. A logical, informed debate with you on this subject would be a complete waste of time.