Distinguish a Holistic Perspective from a Partial Point of View (Holism vs Partial Perspective)

What is holistic perspective and partial point of view?

It is important distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view, especially on the part of students taking up Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person (MELC 1.1).

For the Filipino/Tagalog discussion on this topic, read: Ang Pagkakaiba ng Pangkabuuang Pananaw at Pananaw ng mga Bahagi Lamang

Distinguish a Holistic Perspective from a Partial Point of View

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To assume a holistic perspective is to take the standpoint in which every facet and aspect is taken into consideration. It is similar to staring at the entire picture without overlooking the flimsier details.

This point is further explained by the famous parable: The Parable of Blind Men and the Elephant. (The Tagalog/Filipino version of the parable can be read here: Isang Talinhaga: Ang Anim na Lalaking Bulag at Isang Elepante)

Holistic perspective

Holism comes from the Greek “holos” which means “all” or “total.”

Holism, in general terms, pertains to the idea that all the properties of a system cannot be rightly understood, explained, or determined by its component parts alone, but the system considered as a whole determines in a significant way how the parts function or work.

In one of his lectures, Filipino Philosophy professor Jensen DG. Mañebog explains that in philosophy, the principle of holism states that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A holistic perspective looks at each component part and how it is connected with one another to create a cohesive whole.

Holism, he explains, emphasizes focusing on the bigger picture, the totality, rather than finer details or some aspects only. It teaches that centering only on some parts results in losing the whole picture—knowing only the individual trees but not the whole forest.

Like what The Parable of Blind Men and the Elephant teaches, a holistic perspective states that a limited standpoint does not possess the monopoly of truth. Instead, it holds that while one’s personal take about something may be true, it may not be the absolute truth, for others’ take on the same matter may also be true.

Distinguish: holistic perspective from a partial point of view

A partial perspective, in contrast, focuses on just some aspects of the whole in such a way that the whole is overlooked or discounted.

As explained by Prof. Jensen DG. Mañebog, a partial point of view also tends to consider the perceiving subject the basis of truth. A partial viewpoint is founded on the component part or parts of a whole, thus, an incomplete perspective.

But dissimilar to the partial point of view, holism as an approach widens one’s comprehension of reality by taking into account other possible causal agents or factors that are fundamentally pertinent to a phenomenon.

A holistic perspective, in the midst of so many explanatory frameworks and theories, promotes suspending one’s partial and subjective take on things and prefers considering what others believe.

Doing Philosophy and Holistic Perspective

Doing philosophy also means striving to have a holistic, and not a partial, perspective. (Also read: Realize the Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life)

As explained by Prof. Jensen DG. Mañebog, one of the qualities of philosophy as a discipline is that it encourages the attainment of a holistic perspective. In fact, philosophy avoids being one dimensional or partial, and philosophers do not limit their investigation to a particular object or inquiry, instead, they employ the multidimensional or holistic approach.

But he further explains that philosophical holism does not necessarily mean merely discarding one’s own perspective and saying yes to others’ points of view. Rather, it promotes comparing one’s view with those of other thinkers to come up with a better, more holistic standpoint.

Free lecture for the next lesson (Philo of Man MELC): Realize the Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life

Also read: Ang Pagkakaiba ng Pangkabuuang Pananaw at Pananaw ng mga Bahagi Lamang

Note: Teachers may share this as a reading assignment of their students. For other free lectures like this (especially for students), visit Homepage: Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

*Also available: Free lectures on Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao

– If you want to look for other topics in Intro to Philo of Man (e.g. transcendence, etc) and other subjects, search here:

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Also Check Out: From Socrates to Mill: An Analysis of Prominent Ethical Theories, also by author Jensen DG. Mañebog

Related Articles:

The Blind Men and the Elephant: Attaining a Holistic Perspective

Realize the Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life

Mga Libreng Lektura para sa Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao:

Ang Pagkakaiba ng Pangkabuuang Pananaw at Pananaw ng mga Bahagi Lamang