Reductionism breaks down systems into individual components, aiming to understand the whole by analyzing each part in isolation. This method assumes that by knowing the individual elements, one can fully grasp the system’s behavior. However, this approach overlooks how parts interact and create new properties that aren’t present in the components alone, known as emergent properties.
The systems approach, on the other hand, emphasizes understanding the interactions between components, viewing the system as a whole rather than through fragmented pieces. It recognizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, where emergent behaviors—such as synergy—arise from the collaboration of different elements working together.