Question

The effectiveness of REDUCTIONISTIC EXPLANATIONS is limited by:

the existence of emergent properties.

the fact that the future is logically unpredictable.

the dualistic nature of the physical world.

Answer 1

Reductionist explanations as the name is suggesting itself that it is related with reduction of something. In this process, a complex system is being broken down. A complex data or phenomenon is being reduced to smaller form so that it can be understood with more effectiveness.

Simpler form of a perplex concept remains easier to understand. Their investigation also becomes easier. It is wrong to say that future is logically unpredictable. We can predict our future based on our current efforts.

If we keep on smoking and drinking alcohol in unusual amount then we may become sure about a future disease. Our current hard work and intensity of efforts in a specific field can ensure success in that field. Hence, second option is wrong.

Dualistic nature explains that there remains two extreme forces/characteristics which can impact the properties of different objects in this physical world. We can see that this is not true. There are several factors which work simultaneously at the same time.

All the factors become hard to determine because many of them remain in invisible form. These invisible forms make the process of analysis a tedious task. Hence, third option is also a wrong option for this question.

Emergent properties are very important and very essential in understanding any phenomenon taking place in our surroundings. Emergent properties improves the chances of our survival. Our nature and nurture are part of emergent properties.

Our biological tendencies and inherited capabilities are also example of such emergent properties. Reductionism basically misses the emergent properties of any system. It reduces effectiveness of this approach. Hence, first option is the right answer of this question.