The document discusses the concepts of holism and reductionism. Holism is the view that systems and their properties should be viewed as wholes, not just as a collection of parts. Reductionism is the opposite view, that a system can be understood by reducing it to its fundamental constituents. The document compares and contrasts holism and reductionism, noting that both have strengths and weaknesses, and that considering both approaches together can provide a more comprehensive understanding of systems.