What psychological theory emphasizes perceiving whole objects rather than just their parts?

Gestalt Psychology is the psychological theory that emphasizes the idea that humans tend to perceive whole objects or patterns rather than merely the sum of their individual parts. This approach asserts that our minds are wired to organize sensory input into meaningful wholes, a process often guided by innate principles such as proximity, similarity, closure, and continuity. These principles help us understand how we group elements together to form complete forms, advocating the notion that the whole has a reality independent of the components.

The essence of Gestalt Psychology lies in the notion that perception and cognition are more than mere aggregates of sensory experiences; instead, they involve significant configurations that influence how we interpret what we see. This perspective has profound implications in various fields, including psychology, design, and art, as it underscores the importance of the relationships and patterns formed by parts within a whole, rather than focusing solely on the individual elements.