WHAT IS HOLISTIC THINKING?

• Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that

considers large scale patterns in systems.
This often describe as looking at a “BIG
PICTURE” when describing and analyzing
a situation or problem. A holistic perspective
requires an individual to have an open
mindset and an ability to get the general
sense of impression regarding a situation.
 WHAT IS PARTIAL THINKING?

• Partial thinking, on the other hand,

focuses on specific aspects of a
situation. The partial view is an important
component of analytical thinking, as an
individual focuses on certain areas or
aspects of a problem in order to
understand it.
• Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes
holistic thinking in making sense of problems and
issues related to the human experience.
• People tend to apply an analytical perspective when
looking at problems or situation. For example, doctors
often focus on a specific set of symptoms to determine
the cause of a patient's illness. Once a particular
cause has been identified, the doctor then prescribes
the appropriate medicine and other treatments to
address illness.
• In the case of a person who experiences a
stomach ache, a doctor may prescribe the
appropriate medicine that will address the
physical causes of the problem.
• A holistic perspective, however, requires the
doctor to look at a “big picture” and view the
patient's illness as an aspect of his or her
lifestyle and personal circumstances. When
using the perspective, a doctor may be able to
identify other underlying causes of the illness.
• The doctor can interview the patient and get an
idea to his or her situation. In the case of the
patient wtih stomach problems, the doctor's
inquiry into his or her habits and lifestyle may
lead to the discovery that fatigue and stress may
be factors that cause the illness. Knowing this,
the doctor can advise the patient to make
changes in his or her habits to reduce stress and
eventually improve his or her well-being.
• A holistic perspective can enable a person to step
back and consider the general aspects of a
certain problem.
• Adapting a holistic approach in thinking encourages us
not only to be more critical but also to be more
considerate in dealing with others.
• A holistic view also gives rise to a more appreciative
perspective about life, as we are able to look at a life in
its totality. This means that we try to undersand a
situation from different wantage points so we can see it
more fully.
• Just as we savor food inits entirety and not
pick out each ingredient and taste it, we
experience and appreciate life in its entirety
and not just a specific “flavors”.
• All the positive and negative experiences
inour life come together to give as meaning
to our existence, and we learn to appreciat
ourindividual experiences as vital aspects of
a larger and more meaningful life.