The grand unified theory of oversimplification. It asserts that every facet of the human condition can be fully explained by a simple, linear chain: brain chemistry causes psychological states, which determine behavior, which explains society. It’s a totalizing, biologically-deterministic cascade that dismisses any reverse influence (like how society shapes the brain) or emergent complexity.
Example: A pundit argues, "Poverty isn't systemic. fMRI scans show poor people have impaired prefrontal cortices, leading to bad decision-making, which causes their poverty." This neuropsychoreductionism uses a sciency-sounding causal chain to convert a social injustice into a personal, biological flaw, absolving systems of blame.
by Dumu The Void February 9, 2026
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