Totalizing, as an adjective or gerund, describes the act or process of viewing something as a unified, all-encompassing whole, often at the expense of recognizing or appreciating the nuances, complexities, and individual components within it. It involves imposing a single, overarching framework, ideology, or system of thought that attempts to explain and control all aspects of a subject, frequently leading to a reductionist understanding or dismissal of alternative perspectives. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying a rigidity that suppresses diversity and individual expression. It’s a holistic oversimplification, usually with an authoritative or homogenizing lens.
Totalizing meaning with examples
- The artist’s totalizing vision of society, presented through a series of allegorical paintings, unfortunately, lacked subtlety, homogenizing the rich diversity of human experience into simplistic archetypes. He failed to explore any of the characters' interior lives or to critique the established roles of society, only imposing a judgement based on his specific, limited worldview. This reductionist approach alienated many critics and viewers.
- Critics accused the political party of totalizing tendencies, seeking to control every aspect of citizens' lives through an all-encompassing surveillance program and stringent legislation. They dismissed any dissent as 'anti-establishment' and pushed for censorship of information. This strategy limited the public's freedom and prevented them from critiquing the party and enacting positive changes in society.
- In an attempt to *totalize* the history of philosophy, the author created an overly simplified narrative, grouping thinkers into rigid schools of thought and ignoring the profound internal debates and diverse influences within each. The effort disregarded the nuances and competing interpretations, resulting in a limited understanding of philosophical discourse, simplifying complex concepts and issues.
- The corporation's marketing campaign adopted a totalizing approach, attempting to capture the entire consumer base by promoting a single, one-size-fits-all product. The approach, ignoring the complexities of various different customer preferences and their diverse buying needs, was a failure, leading to a significant drop in sales and causing alienation from the consumer base.
- Some scholars argue that certain scientific disciplines, in their efforts to *totalize* knowledge, may inadvertently overlook the limitations of their methodologies. They sometimes create claims that overstep the boundaries of the discipline, with no regard for the limits, or potential issues, in the science itself. This can lead to overgeneralizations and inaccurate conclusions, as well as overlooking alternative viewpoints, often resulting in poor decisions or a flawed science.