From a philosophical perspective, the sum of the parts is totally different from the whole. According to Aristotle, the whole is something different from the constituent parts. The Monad concept is associated with the Aristotle philosophy because essentially, Monad originally referred to a single unit or one time. Each monad is unique and contains indivisible, in destroyable, and dynamic properties. Considering the fact that each monad has unique properties, then the Aristotle philosophy is effectively applied because the combination of several monads creates an entirely different item. Parametric design encompasses a situation whereby various rules and elements determine the complex nature of the final system. The complex nature of the parametric design makes it difficult to reverse the design process. In particular, it is extremely difficult to separate the individual parts that constitute the whole design. The monads used to develop the parametric design have varying characteristics, but separating them means that the design process is rendered non-functional. An epistemological approach is essential because it will help to examine and justify the implementation of the monad principles in the concept of parametric design. The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of sum of parts not being equal to the whole. The paper provides a comprehensive description of the Aristotle principal that can be used to explain the concept of parametric design. To gain a good perspective of the main research problem, it is important to consider a review of the Grasshopper software that is primarily used in making parametric designs. Basically, the research aim to answer the following two questions: to explore essential answers to two intrinsic questions. Is the whole of the relationship equal or greater than the sum of each relationship as Aristote says? Is the parametric thought process reversible or not?

Introduction

The aspect the sums of parts being more than the whole are worth more exploration within the concept of digital and parametric design. There is a need to examine and assess how the monad concept is related to the Aristotle’s principle. Additionally, it is essential to evaluate the ways in which both the monad and Aristotle’s principles can be used to assess whether the idea of parametric design can be reversed or not. In this context, the focus of the paper is to provide a comprehensive review and analysis of related works associated with the need to understand whether parametric design is irreversible or not. The aim of the literature review is to explore essential answers to two intrinsic questions. Is the whole of the relationship equal or greater than the sum of each relationship as Aristote says? Is the parametric thought process reversible or not?

The sum of parts is different from the whole

Aristotle is credited with the phrase “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In essence, the statement implies that when individual elements are combined together to form a single entity, then their contribution is greater than that of the whole part (Upton, Janeka, & Ferraro, 2014). The concept can be used to explain the aspect of synergy. Just like Aristotle’s statement, synergy concept implies that when various entities are working together, they tend to achieve more. A similar approach known as gestalt is used in the psychology filed to imply that an organized whole tends to have superior features compared to the sum of its parts.

The subject of the sums of parts being more than the whole elicits divided attention especially when evaluated from a design and architectural context. As indicated by Latour et al (2012), in the context of architectural design, individual components that make a design product are associated with distinct data sets. Consequently, the combination of the combinations of different data elements implies that the eventual design product will have varying characteristics that are completely different form the individual constituents. Cataldo et al (2019) goes on to suggest that the concept of sum of parts being more than whole is supported by the aggregation attitude. The viewpoint indicates that individual components include non-linear mechanisms that in later determines the sensory aggregation of the whole component.

The Monad Concept

• Definition of monad

Monad is a term derived from Greek meaning mono while in English it means one, unit, or single. A monad is composed of a unique entity whereby it is difficult to separate, or destroys the component properties. Each monad is dynamic although it does not have causal relationship with other monads. The concept of monad was popularized by Gottfried Leibniz in 1714 in his work titled Monadology. From a philosophical point of review, Monadology is based on the premise that the universe is made up of monads that despite being immaterial, they poses soul- like properties.

According to Leibniz, a monad is different from an atom in that it is not only indivisible but also it does not have spatial extension. Leibniz offers a good analogy to explain the concept of monads existing individually but being synchronized together by God. In this context, Leibniz compares monads to two set of clocks placed in opposite walls in a common room. Although both clocks indicate similar time, they share a common cause by being synchronized with nature.

• How is monad related to Aristotle Statement?

• Application of monad in digital design

Epistemological Approach

• A review of what is known to be true about the concept of “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
• A review of what is known to be true about the concept of monad in parametric design

Monad and Parametric Design

• • Definition of digital design
  • A review of the concept of parametric design
  • Exploration of whether parametric design is reversible