adjective characterized by or involving reduction; serving to simplify or make something seem less complex or complicated
In scientific fields such as biology or chemistry, 'reductive' can describe a reductionist approach that seeks to understand complex systems by breaking them down into simpler parts.
In philosophy, 'reductive' is often used to refer to an approach that attempts to explain a phenomenon in terms of its most basic components or elements.
In psychology, the term 'reductive' is used to describe a simplistic or oversimplified explanation of complex human behavior or mental processes.
In art criticism, 'reductive' may be used to describe minimalist or abstract works that strip away extraneous details to focus on essential elements.
In the field of literature, 'reductive' may be used to describe a simplistic or overly simplified approach to a complex topic or character, which lacks depth and nuance.
Psychologists may use 'reductive' to criticize an oversimplified explanation or interpretation of human behavior or mental processes that fails to consider the full complexity of the individual or situation.