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Theory & Psychology
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Reductionism Revisited

On the Role of Reduction in Psychology

Marko Barendregt

Vrije Universiteit, marko.saskia{at}planet.nl

J. F. Hans van Rappard

Vrije Universiteit, jfh.van.rappard{at}psy.vu.nl

Reductionism in psychology is often linked with the mind-body problem. This paper reviews the reductionism debate and concludes that many of its controversies can indeed be traced to the relation between reduction and the metaphysical mind-body problem. It is proposed that reductionism, by bridging different theories, rather should be considered as a scientific stance which favours interdisciplinary co-operation. This perspective on reductionism throws a new light on the classical model of reduction, which may capture important aspects of intertheoretic reductions if it is recognized that the bridges between theories do not need to comply completely with the classical conditions. These ideas are illustrated by analysing an example of reductionistic research concerning the psychology and neuropsychology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Key Words: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder • mind-body problem • models of reduction • reductionism • theories

Theory & Psychology, Vol. 14, No. 4, 453-474 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0959354304044920
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[Abstract] [PDF]