Holistic/Reductionist AI, Maths required for certain machine learning?... • /r/MachineLearning

I'm not experienced in AI or machine learning much at all, but currently want to get into it. I've heard of reductionist AI and holistic AI. Reductionist AI seems to be the kind in which solves problems based on reasoning, (e.g. a problem that a human would need to think hard on with pencil and paper). And for holistic AI, are their actions based on pattern? Again, I'm new to this so please forgive me if I'm confusing.. Do tell me if I have those two wrong or out of order.