NOTHING BUTTERY

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The term "Nothing Buttery" is a colloquial expression used to describe a logical fallacy known as greedy reductionism. This fallacy occurs when complex phenomena are oversimplified by reducing them to a single component or explanation, often using the phrase "nothing but." For example, stating that "consciousness is nothing but a set of neural processes" dismisses the multifaceted nature of consciousness by attributing it solely to brain activity. Such reductionist thinking can overlook the intricate and emergent properties of complex systems. (Wikipedia)

The phrase "nothing buttery" was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly by philosopher Donald Mackay. He used it to critique the tendency to explain away complex human experiences and behaviors by reducing them to mere physical or neurological processes. (Wikipedia)

Critics of reductionism argue that it fails to account for the holistic and emergent aspects of reality. For instance, while a neuroscientific explanation can describe the brain's activity, it may not fully capture the subjective experience of consciousness. This perspective suggests that understanding the parts does not necessarily lead to understanding the whole.

In summary, "nothing buttery" serves as a cautionary term against oversimplifying complex phenomena by reducing them to a single cause or explanation, urging a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to understanding the world.(godevidence.com)