Let’s have an academic opening.
Abstraction has two meanings. One, that was discussed in the previous post AND the one that we will learn about today and this paragraph from the Publisher’s Summary of the research paper by Michael I. Posner defines the two very well:
In psychological research, the term abstraction has been used in two different ways. One sense of abstraction involves the selection of certain portions or aspects of an experience. A second sense refers to the classification of a stimulus into a wider or more inclusive superordinate category.
the development of thoughts or notions deriving from specific events.
ideas that cannot be discerned from a physical presence or physically touched.
in regards to conditioning, exemplifying something due to one facet of it's being
Abstraction- For All or The Chosen Ones?
It comes from my own experience that “Abstraction” is the cup of tea for some only, ESPECIALLY those who bite the bullet to dig in deeper the mysteries of patterns of life and how the unseen makes sense. If you dare to be different, and think different, then you enter the squad of abstract thinkers.
We recently had a course of Philosophy of Education in the Bachelor’s Program of Education and we are asked to think individually the Philosophy of varying academic subjects, such as Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, etc.
From a class of 30, only a few could relate fluently. (A Sample example shared at the end of the post, how varying mathematical and statistical subject-matter can be defined in one sentence
When the Professor explained, only then the majority gave some input of ideas.
As in the post by Very Well mind,
While abstract thinking is an essential skill, it isn’t something that people are born with. Instead, this cognitive ability develops throughout the course of childhood as children gain new abilities, knowledge, and experiences.
Well I Say…
I believe it is a God-Gifted ability and skill like many by-birth talents, such as singing, writing, and sketching. This is an intellectual birth mark for some while for others it can be a trophy won in a competition they perspired for.
As the experience is gained with time, not every one can abstractly relate it with other elements of life. It’s either you can do, or not. Learning abstract thinking is possible, however, if not put to use, it dies down. It needs to be polished with time by doing it more and more.
What Breathes Life In Abstraction?
The true essence of abstraction is in letting go the concrete and question things. Ask, “What if?”
“Why not?”
“Is That It?”
Questioning and the urge to color outside the boundaries fuel abstraction. Escape uniformity, look for a new way out of chaos, explore for possibilities.
Abstraction rules out logic from its territory, however, it remains sane to think abstractly as it rules out Fantastic intuition as well, keeping your experience and knowledge in charge.
And if your rules are fantastic (fantasy-based), then that’s not abstraction as Jung puts it,
There is an abstract thinking, just as there is abstract feeling, sensation and intuition. Abstract thinking singles out the rational, logical qualities… Abstract feeling does the same with… its feeling-values. …I put abstract feelings on the same level as abstract thoughts. …Abstract sensation would be aesthetic as opposed to sensuous sensation and abstract intuition would be symbolic as opposed to fantastic intuition. (Jung, [1921] (1971): par. 678).
Here is a write-up from my past posts. Take a read!
The idea is abstract, based on emotions from human-life, Love and Ego. However, the two worlds and the connections between the two are fantasy-based. That makes up a good sample to distinguish between the two abstract intuition and fantastic intuition.
Insight For Research - What’s More?
Well, one question that resonates in my mind is,
“If Abstraction can be triggered by a chemical imbalance?” If you are a researcher reading this, or a chemist, do let me know if this question arises a possible answer in your mind.
What makes me think that way is the science of neurotransmitters. If learning abstract thinking can help us develop abstract thinking abilities, is there a chemical combination that can induce abstract thinking in a human brain?
Food For Thought…
As Promised, The Sample Post of Philosophy of different subjects.
Click here for Credits.
Conclusively:
If you are searching for the process of abstraction in terms of memorization, you should type on Google, “Abstraction in terms of memory.” And if you mean, “Abstraction in terms of thinking”, type, “Abstract reasoning or thinking” to ensure you and Google are on the same page and to get the desired result.
Coming Up Next Week in PsyCHoLogy SaTtuRdAY:
Clinical Psychology and Motherhood