Holism: A Force of Change

Abstract

The paper is a discussion of the original concept of Holism by Jan Christiaan Smuts. Summarizing the precepts of Holism is followed by critiques of various natural science writers. A holistic “thought experiment” offers an answer to the question: Can you remove anything from the universe, the whole? Conversely, social science writers are suggested to be unscientific and colloquial at best to their understanding of Holism, with a few exceptions. Discussion continues with new information of how Holism is a force of change. Examples are provided to include three applications. Conclusion suggests the utility of Holism for scientific inquiry.

Keywords:

• Application
• holism
• natural science
• social science
• social work