Analysis

Analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. The technique has been applied in the study of mathematics and logic since before Aristotle (384–322 B.C.), though analysis as a formal concept is a relatively recent development.^[1]

The word comes from the Ancient Greek ἀνάλυσις (analusis, "a breaking up", from ana- "up, throughout" and lysis "a loosening").^[2]

In this context, Analysis is the opposite of synthesis, which is to bring ideas together.

The following concepts are closely related to this basic idea:

• Mathematical analysis is the name given to any branch of mathematics that looks at what functions are, how they behave, and what things can be done with them.
• Analytical chemistry looks at the qualities of substances, and their composition.

1. ↑ Michael Beaney (2012). "Analysis". The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Michael Beaney. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
2. ↑ Douglas Harper (2012). "analysis (n.)". Online etymological dictionary. Douglas Harper. Retrieved 23 May 2012.