A Holistic Perspective on the Multiple Crises of the Modern World

Abstract

The multiple crises of the modern world—such as the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic inequality—are deeply interconnected and complex. Addressing these crises requires a mode of thinking that moves beyond a reductionist, one-dimensional perspective and instead enables an understanding of the complex relationships among these systems. We argue that holistic thinking, which emphasizes the interconnections between phenomena rather than merely categorizing them through analytical thinking, offers an effective approach to tackling contemporary global crises. To explore this idea, we first examine the philosophical and evolutionary foundations of analytical and holistic thinking to clarify their fundamental differences and principles. By synthesizing various Research findings, we then highlight the potential advantages of holistic thinking in addressing key global challenges, particularly the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic inequality. Based on the evidence discussed, we emphasize the importance of analytical thinking for deconstructing and defining concepts while advocating for the complementary role of holistic thinking in capturing the relationships between these elements. We suggest that this holistic approach will provide a crucial framework for comprehensively addressing the multiple crises facing the modern world.