Examples
Physics: Certain quantum phenomena seem to arise only in systems and cannot be explained by the interaction of the system's individual parts alone. This is a suggestion, not a fact or law.
Metaphysics: Phenomena such as life, mind and conscience only arise in systems. This means these things cannot be explained by the study of nerves, cells or atoms. Many religions take a holistic approach to consciousness.
One theory of holism is based on the hypothesis that nature consists of a hierarchy of "wholes" (also called "holons", a term created by Arthur Koestler).
These "wholes" are quarks, protons, atoms, molecules, minerals, cellss, tissuess, organisms, populations.
Hence, a large-scale body, such as the biosphere cannot be understood by only studying the elements, but should be considered as a whole entity, studied through the different hierarchical levels, and with the different relations between the different elements.
However, holism also means an object or a system can be recognised as a type, only with a few well-chosen characteristics. Hence, it is the basis of classification or typology. Soil, vegetation (land cover), biomes are commonly considered as wholes and hence can be classified using a set of diagnostic characteristics (see for example land classification).
The field of systems thinking has been developed in recent years to tackle a wide range of issues using holistic concepts.
See also
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