Final answer:
Holism distinguishes itself from dualism and materialism through its emphasis on the interconnectedness of systems (wholeness vs. separation), its systems thinking approach (systems vs. fragmented thinking).
Step-by-step explanation:
Principles Distinguishing Holism from Dualism and Materialism
To distinguish holism from materialism and dualism, it is essential to consider their fundamental differences in conceptualizing the nature of existence and the mind-body relationship. Holism posits that systems and their properties should be viewed as wholes, not merely as a collection of parts. In contrast, both materialism and dualism approach the mind and body with different assumptions.
Wholeness vs. Separation Firstly, holism emphasizes the interconnections and interdependencies of all aspects of reality, thus rejecting the materialist notion that only physical matter exists and the dualist view of two separate substances, the mind and body.
Systems Thinking vs. Fragmented Thinking Secondly, while materialism reduces everything to physical interactions and dualism posits an interaction between two distinct substances, holism sees multiple components interacting within a system that cannot be explained by the sum of its parts.
Qualitative Aspects vs. Quantitative Only Thirdly, holism acknowledges not only the physical but also qualitative aspects of reality like consciousness and subjective experiences, which materialism does not account for, and it treats these qualities as integral to and emergent from the system as opposed to dualism's separate entities.
Emergent Properties vs. Reductionism Finally, holism is based on the concept of emergent properties arising from complex systems, an idea that does not align with materialism's reductionist approach nor with dualism's partition between mind and body.