Final answer:
The statement is true; Enlightenment thinking emphasized reason and science, focusing on breaking down systems to understand fundamental principles, rather than viewing systems solely by their overall function.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: The idea that systems may only be understood by examining their overall function was not a characteristic of Enlightenment thinking. Enlightenment philosophers placed a heavy emphasis on reason, science, and the individual. Their approach often involved dissecting complex systems into simpler parts in order to understand the underlying principles – a method influenced by the successes of the Scientific Revolution. This analytical approach is in contrast to holistic views that became more prominent in later philosophies, such as those from the Frankfurt School and Marxist theory, which considered the total function of systems within their social and economic contexts.