Holistic refers to an approach or perspective that considers the whole of something rather than its individual parts. In various fields, including medicine, psychology, and philosophy, a holistic approach takes into account the interrelationships between different elements of a system, aiming to understand how these parts function together as an integrated whole rather than in isolation.
Key Definitions:
Merriam-Webster defines holistic as “relating to or concerned with complete systems rather than with individual parts.” It emphasizes the importance of looking at a system or entity in its entirety, understanding the connections and interdependencies among its components (Merriam-Webster, 2021).
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) describes holistic as “characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be understood only by reference to the whole.” This reflects a comprehensive approach that prioritizes integration over fragmentation (OED, 2021).
Cambridge Dictionary states that holistic means “dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.” This is particularly common in medical and psychological contexts, where practitioners focus on the person’s overall well-being, including physical, emotional, and social factors (Cambridge Dictionary, 2021).
Etymology:
The word holistic originates from the Greek word holos (ὅλος), meaning "whole" or "entire." It was first used in the modern sense by Jan Smuts, a South African statesman and philosopher, in his 1926 book Holism and Evolution. In this work, Smuts introduced holism as the idea that natural systems and entities (biological, chemical, psychological, etc.) function as wholes and cannot be fully understood by examining only their parts.
Application of Holistic Approach:
Holistic perspectives are applied across various disciplines:
Medicine: In holistic medicine, practitioners consider the patient's body, mind, and spirit, focusing on overall wellness rather than just treating specific symptoms or diseases.
Psychology: A holistic psychologist looks at a person’s thoughts, emotions, environment, and relationships to gain a full understanding of their mental health.
Education: A holistic educational approach emphasizes the development of the whole child, including intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth.
Citations:
Merriam-Webster. (2021). Holistic. [online] Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holistic
Oxford English Dictionary. (2021). Holistic. [online] Available at: https://www.oed.com/
Cambridge Dictionary. (2021). Holistic. [online] Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/
