This Lisp example effectively demonstrates recursion by reducing a complex problem into simpler subproblems—a process analogous to philosophical reductionism. In the recursive factorial function, the problem of computing n! is solved by repeatedly calling the function with decremented values of n. This mirrors the idea of understanding complex phenomena through their basic components. The base case (n ≤ 1) ensures termination, grounding the otherwise self-referential definition. Thus, the example not only illustrates a fundamental programming technique but also reflects deeper philosophical insights about self-similarity and the nature of complexity.