Hierarchical reductionism

A proper form of reductionism that proceeds carefully through each level without skipping any, in contrast to Greedy reductionism or Precipice reductionism.

A term proposed by Richard Dawkins. (Where? AnswerMe)

Notes

Criticisms of reductionism are less about pointing out a failure to carry out a reduction properly than about attempts to reduce things that fundamentally cannot be reduced, or a tendency to ignore cases where reduction inevitably loses something. Explaining that “greedy reductionism is bad, but hierarchical reductionism is fine” is not a proper defense against criticism of reductionism. —AK, 2024-08-25.