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Toward Emergent Holism: A Mutually Constitutive Account for Systems Science and Holistic Philosophy

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  • Qiang Fu
  • Dongping Fan

Abstract

This study develops a mutually constitutive account to examine how systems science advances a renewed, emergence‐centred holism. By tracing three developmental waves of systems science, it identifies the intrinsic impetus for holistic philosophy and introduces relational and generative holism to articulate the complex relationship between parts and wholes. As systems science matures, emergent holism emerges as a robust paradigm bridging empirical research with philosophical reflection. We argue that systems science and holistic philosophy form a mutually constitutive relationship: while the former provides the methodology to operationalize holistic principles, the latter offers the necessary ontological grounding for systems theories. The analysis clarifies the philosophical implications of emergence, demonstrating that this account provides a theoretically rigorous and practically attuned approach to engaging complex phenomena across diverse domains.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiang Fu & Dongping Fan, 2026. "Toward Emergent Holism: A Mutually Constitutive Account for Systems Science and Holistic Philosophy," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(4), pages 1808-1820, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:43:y:2026:i:4:p:1808-1820
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.70077
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