Final answer:
The phrase refers to the concept that an entity or system's total value is greater than just the individual components, a concept seen in psychology, economics, and philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "The whole is worth more than the sum of its parts" refers to a concept that can be understood in various contexts, including philosophy, psychology, and even economics. It suggests that the totality of an entity or a system has qualities and a value that cannot be deduced simply by analyzing its individual components. This concept is seen in various aspects of life, such as the idea that a community or ecosystem may exhibit properties and functions that do not appear when looking at individual members or species in isolation.
In psychology, this concept is closely related to Gestalt principles, where perception is concerned with the whole form or structure as distinct from the parts. In economics, wealth can be seen as a sum of the value of all assets, but the functional value of these assets in synergy might exceed their individual evaluated worth. Literature, like the excerpt from Walt Whitman's writing, indicates a broader philosophical viewpoint that the soul and the body each have their value, forming a union that cannot be reduced to their separate entities.
By looking at various systems holistically, one can make a better assessment of true value than by considering just the individual pieces. Therefore, when analyzing claims about the whole, it is important to understand this concept and not merely enumerate and evaluate the parts independently.