Holism in Literature & Literary Theory

Holism: Etymology, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology:

The term “holism” is derived from the Greek word “holos,” meaning “whole” or “entire.” The concept of holism emerged in the early 20th century and gained prominence through the work of philosopher Jan Smuts. It reflects a perspective that considers entities as integrated wholes, with their properties and behaviors not reducible to the sum of their parts. Holism emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a system and the understanding that the whole is greater than the mere aggregation of its components.

Meanings and Concepts:

Meanings/Concepts	Description
Wholeness or Unity	– The idea that entities or systems should be viewed as integrated wholes rather than isolated parts.
Interconnectedness	– Emphasizes the relationships and interactions between components within a system.
Non-reducibility	– Argues that the properties of a whole cannot be fully explained by analyzing its individual components in isolation.
Holistic Medicine	– Approach to healthcare that considers the well-being of the entire person, addressing physical, mental, and social aspects.
Holistic Ecology	– Ecological perspective that considers ecosystems as interconnected wholes, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.
Philosophical Holism	– Philosophical stance asserting that reality is fundamentally holistic, and any attempt to reduce it to isolated parts is incomplete.
Holistic Education	– Educational approach that considers the development of the whole person, including intellectual, emotional, and social aspects.
Holistic Management	– Management strategy that views organizations or projects as integrated systems, emphasizing the importance of addressing multiple factors simultaneously.
Holistic Nutrition	– Dietary approach that considers the overall well-being of an individual, focusing on a balance of nutrients and considering lifestyle factors.
Holistic Design	– Design philosophy that looks at products or systems as integrated wholes, considering their impact on the environment and society.

Holism: Definition as a Theoretical Term

Holism, as a theoretical term, posits that entities or systems should be perceived as integrated wholes whose characteristics and behaviors cannot be fully understood by analyzing their individual components in isolation. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a system, asserting that the whole entity exhibits emergent properties not predictable from the summation of its parts. In a holistic framework, the focus shifts from reductionist approaches to a comprehensive understanding that considers the interdependence and synergy among the various components constituting a unified whole.

Holism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Holism, as a theoretical term, posits that entities or systems should be perceived as integrated wholes whose characteristics and behaviors cannot be fully understood by analyzing their individual components in isolation. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a system, asserting that the whole entity exhibits emergent properties not predictable from the summation of its parts. In a holistic framework, the focus shifts from reductionist approaches to a comprehensive understanding that considers the interdependence and synergy among the various components constituting a unified whole.

Holism: Key Characteristics

Theorists:

1. Jan Smuts:
   • Contributions: Coined the term “holism” in the early 20th century. His work, “Holism and Evolution” (1926), introduced the concept of holism as a fundamental principle in understanding the natural world.
2. Ludwig von Bertalanffy:
   • Contributions: A key figure in the development of general systems theory, von Bertalanffy argued for a holistic approach to understanding complex systems. His work, “General System Theory” (1968), laid the foundation for a holistic perspective in various disciplines.
3. Arthur Koestler:
   • Contributions: Known for his work on the philosophy of holism, particularly in his book “The Ghost in the Machine” (1967), where he explored the limitations of reductionist thinking and advocated for a more holistic understanding of the mind-body relationship.

Works:

1. Holism and Evolution (1926) by Jan Smuts:
   • Smuts’ seminal work introduced the concept of holism, framing it as a fundamental principle governing evolutionary processes and the organization of the natural world.
2. General System Theory (1968) by Ludwig von Bertalanffy:
   • Von Bertalanffy’s work laid the groundwork for the application of holistic principles in various disciplines by introducing the concept of general systems theory, emphasizing the interconnectedness of systems.
3. The Ghost in the Machine (1967) by Arthur Koestler:
   • Koestler’s book critically examined reductionist approaches in the understanding of mind and body, arguing for a more holistic perspective to comprehend the complexities of human existence.

Arguments:

1. Against Reductionism:
   • Theorists: Koestler, Smuts
   • Arguments: Holism argues against reductionist approaches that seek to understand complex phenomena by breaking them down into smaller, isolated components. Instead, it emphasizes the need to consider entities as integrated wholes to grasp their true nature.
2. Emergence and Synergy:
   • Theorists: Smuts, von Bertalanffy
   • Arguments: Holistic perspectives posit that the properties of a whole system are emergent and not simply the sum of its individual parts. The synergy among components contributes to unique characteristics that can only be understood at the holistic level.
3. Interconnectedness in Systems:
   • Theorists: Von Bertalanffy
   • Arguments: General systems theory argues for the interconnectedness of systems across various disciplines. It suggests that understanding the relationships and interactions within a system is essential for comprehending its behavior and functioning.
4. Holistic Ecology:
   • Theorists: Various ecologists influenced by holism
   • Arguments: In the ecological context, holism contends that ecosystems should be studied as integrated wholes, with an emphasis on understanding the complex relationships between living organisms and their environments.

These theorists, works, and arguments collectively contribute to the holistic perspective, challenging reductionism and advocating for a comprehensive understanding of complex systems and phenomena.

Holism: Key Characteristics

Characteristic	Explanation	Examples
Wholeness or Unity	– Entities or systems are viewed as integrated wholes rather than isolated parts.	Ecosystems, where the interactions of flora and fauna create a balanced and self-sustaining whole.
Interconnectedness	– Emphasis on the relationships and interactions between components within a system.	The interconnected web of relationships in a social community influencing individual and collective well-being.
Non-reducibility	– Properties of a whole cannot be fully explained by analyzing individual components in isolation.	Consciousness in humans, where the mind’s complexity and emergent properties are not simply the sum of brain functions.
Holistic Medicine	– Approach to healthcare that considers the well-being of the entire person, addressing physical, mental, and social aspects.	Integrative medicine that combines conventional and alternative therapies for comprehensive patient care.
Holistic Ecology	– Ecological perspective that considers ecosystems as interconnected wholes, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues.	Studying an entire watershed to understand the interdependencies of various species and environmental factors.
Philosophical Holism	– Philosophical stance asserting that reality is fundamentally holistic, and any attempt to reduce it to isolated parts is incomplete.	Eastern philosophies like Daoism, which view reality as an interconnected and dynamic whole.
Holistic Education	– Educational approach that considers the development of the whole person, including intellectual, emotional, and social aspects.	Montessori education, which emphasizes a holistic approach to learning, considering various aspects of child development.
Holistic Management	– Management strategy that views organizations or projects as integrated systems, emphasizing the importance of addressing multiple factors simultaneously.	Sustainable business practices that consider environmental, social, and economic factors for long-term success.
Holistic Nutrition	– Dietary approach that considers the overall well-being of an individual, focusing on a balance of nutrients and considering lifestyle factors.	Plant-based diets that not only address nutritional needs but also consider environmental sustainability and ethical choices.
Holistic Design	– Design philosophy that looks at products or systems as integrated wholes, considering their impact on the environment and society.	Sustainable architecture that takes into account ecological impact, energy efficiency, and social considerations.

Holism: Relevance in Literary Theories

• Ecocriticism:
  • Holism is relevant in ecocriticism as it encourages an approach that views nature and literature as interconnected wholes, emphasizing the relationships between human and non-human elements in literary works.
• Postcolonialism:
  • In postcolonial literary theories, holism can be relevant by examining how the literary representation of colonized landscapes considers the interconnectedness of ecological and cultural systems.
• Feminist Literary Theory:
  • Holism intersects with feminist literary theory by exploring how literature can depict the interconnected relationships between gender, nature, and culture, challenging traditional binary distinctions.
• Marxist Literary Criticism:
  • Holism in literature is pertinent to Marxist criticism as it can address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental factors portrayed in works, revealing the holistic impact of capitalist systems.
• Deconstruction:
  • In deconstructionist literary theories, holism challenges binary oppositions and fixed meanings, encouraging an exploration of the interconnected and fluid nature of literary representations.
• Psychoanalytic Literary Theory:
  • Holism is relevant in psychoanalytic theory by considering how literary works depict the interconnected psychological landscapes of characters and the broader cultural and environmental contexts.
• Queer Theory:
  • Holism intersects with queer theory in literature by examining how works portray the interconnected relationships between LGBTQ+ identities, ecological environments, and societal norms.
• Structuralism:
  • Holism challenges structuralist approaches by encouraging an examination of literature that goes beyond isolated linguistic structures, considering the integrated meanings that emerge from the entirety of a text.
• Reader-Response Theory:
  • In reader-response theory, holism is relevant as it encourages an understanding of literature that considers the holistic engagement of readers with texts, including emotional, intellectual, and cultural dimensions.
• Cultural Studies:
  • Holism is pertinent in cultural studies by encouraging an examination of literature that considers the interconnected relationships between texts and the broader cultural, political, and historical contexts in which they are situated.

Holism, in the context of literary theories, encourages a comprehensive exploration of the interconnected relationships within literature, transcending isolated perspectives and fostering a more nuanced understanding of texts and their contexts.

Holism: Application in Critiques

Novel	Application of Holism	Critique of Application
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez	The novel captures the interconnectedness of the Buendía family across generations, providing a holistic portrayal of individual lives in the broader socio-political landscape of Macondo.	Critics may argue that the novel’s intricate web of characters and events could be overwhelming, potentially hindering a reader’s full comprehension of the holistic vision.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck	Steinbeck explores the holistic impact of the Great Depression on the Joad family, connecting their experiences to broader social, economic, and environmental issues of the time.	Critics might contend that the novel’s focus on the Joad family might overshadow the broader systemic issues, resulting in a somewhat narrowed representation of the holistic impact of the historical context.
Beloved by Toni Morrison	Morrison’s novel interweaves personal and historical traumas, providing a holistic exploration of the impact of slavery on individual lives and the broader African American experience.	Some critics may argue that the novel’s nonlinear narrative structure and symbolism could complicate the holistic vision, potentially making it challenging for readers to follow the interconnected threads.
Blindness by José Saramago	Saramago’s novel examines the holistic breakdown of society during an epidemic of blindness, exploring the interconnectedness of individuals and societal structures.	Critics may contend that the novel’s bleak portrayal of societal breakdown might overshadow the potential for nuanced exploration of individual agency within the holistic context.

Holism: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Emergence	Complex patterns and properties arising from interactions in a system.
Systems Thinking	Approach considering entities as interconnected systems.
Interconnectedness	State of being connected or linked together, emphasizing interdependence.
Non-reductionism	Rejection of the approach that the properties of a whole can be fully explained by analyzing its parts.
Ecological Holism	Application of holistic principles to ecological systems.
Wholism	Alternative spelling of holism, referring to entities as integrated wholes.
Holistic Medicine	Healthcare approach considering the entire person’s well-being.
Integral Theory	Comprehensive approach integrating multiple perspectives and dimensions.
Synergy	Interaction producing an effect greater than the sum of individual effects.
Holistic Education	Educational approach considering the development of the whole person.

Holism: Suggested Readings

1. Smuts, Jan. Holism and Evolution. Macmillan, 1926.
2. Bertalanffy, Ludwig von. General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. George Braziller, 1968.
3. Koestler, Arthur. The Ghost in the Machine. Macmillan, 1967.
4. Capra, Fritjof. The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of Living Systems. Anchor Books, 1996.
5. Wilber, Ken. A Brief History of Everything. Shambhala, 1996.
6. Sheldrake, Rupert. A New Science of Life: The Hypothesis of Formative Causation. J.P. Tarcher, 1981.
7. Wheatley, Margaret J. Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2006.
8. Orr, David W. Earth in Mind: On Education, Environment, and the Human Prospect. Island Press, 1994.
9. Maturana, Humberto R., and Francisco J. Varela. Autopoiesis and Cognition: The Realization of the Living. D. Reidel, 1980.
10. Capra, Fritjof, and Pier Luigi Luisi. The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision. Cambridge University Press, 2014.