Abstract

The problem of this study was to investigate the philosophical assumptions underlying the holistic paradigm. These underlying philosophical assumptions include beliefs about the nature of being , goals , and knowledge . The interdependence of these assumptions, as well as how they translate into different research processes, is noted in this study. The disciplinary matrixes of both Western Marxism and quantum physics are specifically addressed in the discussion. The discussion is not limited to just these two systems, but, rather, is placed in the larger context of holistic thought in an attempt to eliminate at least part of the ambiguity that is associated with the holistic paradigm. ;Due to the magnitude of information and literature in the field of philosophy, a significant reliance upon secondary sources was necessary in the philosophical section of this study in order to gain an overall historical understanding and synthesis of the assumptions of various worldviews. Primary documents, however, were utilized for validation of secondary sources. In addition, contemporary authors were read and are referenced from primary sources. ;Finally, the philosophical assumptions of the holistic paradigm are applied to written language. Even though a paradigm cannot be logically associated with a particular theory or model, different worldviews imply different practices. Therefore, heuristic implications are addressed, providing insight for the conceptualization and development of theories and models through flexible, contextually situated usage