When a person does not know something, he turns on abstract thinking, which helps him make guesses, make judgments, and reason. To understand what it is, you need to familiarize yourself with examples, forms and methods of its development.

What is Abstract Thinking?

What is it and why does the psychotherapeutic help site psymedcare.ru touch on the topic of abstract thinking? It is the ability to think in general that helps in finding a solution to an impasse, in the emergence of a different view of the world.

There is precise and generalized thinking. Accurate thinking is activated when a person has knowledge, information and a clear understanding of what is happening. Generalized thinking turns on when a person does not know the exact data, does not have specific information. He can guess, assume, draw general conclusions. Generalized thinking is abstract thinking in simple words.

The scientific language of abstract thinking is a type of cognitive activity when a person moves away from specific details and begins to reason in general. The picture is considered as a whole, without affecting the details, specifics, accuracy. This contributes to the departure from the rules and dogmas and consideration of the situation from different angles. When an event is considered in general, then there are various ways to solve it.

Usually a person proceeds from specific knowledge. For example, a man lies on the couch and watches TV. The thought arises: "He's a slacker." In this situation, the viewer proceeds from his own ideas about what is happening. What could actually be happening? The man lay down for 5 minutes to rest. He had already done everything around the house, so he allowed himself to watch TV. He got sick, so he lies on the couch. There can be many variations of what is happening here. If you ignore the specifics and look at the situation from different angles, then you can find out a lot of new and interesting things.

In abstract thinking, a person thinks approximately. There are no specifics or details here. Generalized words are used: “life”, “world”, “in general”, “by and large”.

Abstract thinking is useful in situations where a person cannot find a way out (intellectual impasse). Due to the lack of information or knowledge, he is forced to reason, guess. If we abstract from the situation with its specific details, then we can consider in it what was not noticed before.

Abstract logical thinking

In abstract-logical thinking, abstractions are used - units of certain patterns that have been isolated from the "abstract", "imaginary" qualities of an object, phenomenon. In other words, a person operates with phenomena that he cannot “touch with his hands”, “see with his eyes”, “smell”.

A very striking example of such thinking is mathematics, which explains phenomena that do not exist in physical nature. For example, there is no such thing as the number "2". The person understands that we are talking about two identical units. However, this figure was invented by people in order to simplify some phenomena.

The progress and development of mankind has forced people to use concepts that in fact do not exist. Another striking example would be the language a person uses. There are no letters, words, sentences in nature. Man invented the alphabet, words and expressions to simplify the expression of his thoughts, which he wants to convey to other people. This allowed people to find a common language, since everyone understands the meaning of the same word, recognizes letters, builds sentences.

Abstract-logical thinking becomes necessary in a situation where there is some certainty, which is not yet understood and known to man, and the emergence of an intellectual impasse. There is a need to identify what is in reality, to find a definition for it.

Abstraction is divided into types and purposes. Types of abstraction:

• Primitive-sensual - highlighting some properties of an object, ignoring its other qualities. For example, considering the structure, but ignoring the form of the subject.
• Generalizing - highlighting a common characteristic in one phenomenon, ignoring the presence of individual features.
• Idealizing - replacing real properties with an ideal scheme that eliminates existing shortcomings.
• Isolating - highlights the component on which attention is focused.
• Actual infinity – infinite sets are defined as finite.
• Constructivization - "coarseness", giving form to phenomena that have vague boundaries.

According to the goals of abstraction there are:

1. Formal (theoretical thinking), when a person considers objects according to their external manifestations. These qualities themselves do not exist on their own without these objects and phenomena.
2. Content, when a person can single out a property from an object or phenomenon that can exist on its own, be autonomous.

The development of abstract-logical thinking is important, since it was it that made it possible to isolate from the surrounding world that which cannot be recognized by the natural senses. Here, concepts (linguistic expressions) were formed that convey the general pattern of a particular phenomenon. Now each person does not have to identify this or that concept, since he learns about it in the process of learning at school, university, at home, etc. This brings us to the next topic about forms of abstract thinking.

Forms of abstract thinking

Since a person cannot “create a wheel” every time, he must systematize the knowledge gained. Many phenomena are not visible to the human eye, something does not exist at all, but all this is in human life, therefore it must have one form or another. In abstract thinking, there are 3 forms:

This is a thought that conveys a common property that can be traced in different subjects. They may be different. However, their homogeneity and similarity allows a person to combine them into one group. So, for example, a chair. It can be with round handles or square seats. Different chairs have a different color, shape, composition. However, their common feature is that they have 4 legs and it is customary to sit on them. The same purpose of objects and their design allows a person to be combined into one group.

People teach these concepts to children from childhood. Speaking of "dog", we mean an animal that runs on 4 legs, barks, barks, etc. Dogs themselves come in different breeds. However, they all have the same characteristics, according to which they are combined into one common concept - "dog".

People use this form of abstraction when they want to confirm or refute something. Moreover, this verbal form is unambiguous. It comes in two forms: simple and complex. Simple - for example, a cat meows. It is short and clear. The second - "the garbage was thrown out, the bucket was empty." It is often expressed in whole sentences of narrative form.

The judgment may be true or false. A true judgment reflects the real state of affairs and is often based on the fact that a person does not show any relation to him, that is, he judges objectively. A judgment becomes false when a person is interested in it and is based on his own conclusions, and not on the real picture of what is happening.

This is a thought that is formed on the basis of two or more judgments, from which a new judgment is formed. In every conclusion there are 3 components: premise (premise), conclusion and conclusion. The premise (premise) is the initial judgments. Inference is the process of logical thinking that leads to a conclusion - a new judgment.

Examples of Abstract Thinking

Having considered the theoretical part of abstract thinking, you should familiarize yourself with various examples. The most striking example of what an abstract judgment is is the exact sciences. Mathematics, physics, astronomy and other sciences are often based on abstract thinking. We do not see numbers as such, but we can count. We collect objects in a group and call their number.

The man talks about life. But what is it? This is the existence of a body in which a person moves, breathes, functions. It is impossible to give a clear definition of what life is. However, a person can unambiguously determine when someone lives and when they die.

Clearly abstract thinking manifests itself when a person thinks about the future. It is not known what will happen there, but everyone has goals, desires, plans. Without the ability to dream and imagine, a person would not be able to plan for the future. Now he seeks to realize these goals. His movement through life becomes more purposeful. Strategies and tactics are emerging that should lead to the desired future. This reality does not yet exist, but a person strives to form it the way he wants to see it.

Another common form of abstraction is idealization. People like to idealize others and the world in general. Women dream of princes from fairy tales, not noticing what men are in the real world. Men dream of obedient wives, ignoring the fact that only an unthinking being can be subordinate to another.

Many people use judgment. Often they are false. Thus, a woman may conclude that "all men are bad" after being betrayed by a single partner. Since she singles out a man as a single class, which is characterized by the same quality, she ascribes to everyone the quality that manifested itself in one person.

Often, wrong conclusions are made on the basis of false judgments. For example, “the neighbors are unfriendly”, “heating is not supplied”, “the wiring needs to be changed” means “the apartment is dysfunctional”. Based on the emotional discomfort that occurs under the circumstances, unambiguous judgments and conclusions are made that distort reality.

Development of abstract thinking

The most optimal age for the development of abstract thinking is the preschool period. As soon as the child begins to explore the world, he can be helped in the development of all kinds of thinking.

Toys are the most effective way of development. Through shapes, volumes, colors, etc., the child first begins to recognize the details, and then combine them into groups. You can give the child several toys of a square or round shape, so that he divides them into two piles according to the same characteristics.

As soon as a child learns to draw, sculpt, make with his own hands, he should be allowed to engage in such hobbies. This develops not only fine motor skills, but also contributes to the manifestation of creativity. We can say that abstract thinking is creativity that is not limited by frames, shapes, colors.

When a child learns to read, count, write and perceive words by sound, you can work with him to develop abstract-logical thinking. Riddles that should be solved are well suited here, puzzles where it is necessary to solve some question, exercises for ingenuity, where it is necessary to notice an error, an inaccuracy.

Since abstract thinking is not born with a person, but develops as he grows, various rebuses, crosswords, and puzzles will help here. There is a lot of literature on how to develop different kinds of thinking. It should be understood that some puzzles cannot develop only one type of thinking. All of them are partially or completely involved in the development of various types of cognitive activity.

Particularly effective are various life situations in which the child must find a way out of the situation. A simple task to take out the garbage will force the child to first think about how to dress and what to wear in order to leave the house and carry the garbage bag to the bin. If the garbage can is far from home, then it will be forced to predict its route in advance. Forecasting the future is another way to develop abstract thinking. Children have a good imagination, which should not be oppressed.

The result of abstract thinking is that a person is able to find solutions in any situation. He thinks creatively, flexibly, outside the box. Not always accurate knowledge is objective and able to help in any situation. Circumstances happen different, which makes a person think, reason, predict.

Psychologists note the negative consequences if parents do not engage in the development of this thinking in their child. Firstly, the baby will not learn to distinguish the general from the details and, conversely, move from the general to the details. Secondly, he will not be able to show flexibility of thinking in situations in which he does not know a way out. Thirdly, he will be deprived of the ability to predict the future of his actions.

Abstract thinking differs from linear thinking in that a person does not think in terms of cause and effect. He abstracts from the details and begins to reason in general. The most remarkable thing here is that only after a general vision of affairs can a person move on to the details that are important in a situation. And when the details do not help in solving the problem, then there is a need to abstract, to go beyond what is happening.

Abstract thinking allows you to find something new, to create, to create. If a person were deprived of such thinking, then he would not be able to create a wheel, a car, an airplane and other technologies that many people use now. There would be no progress that arises first from the ability of a person to imagine, dream, go beyond the accepted and reasonable. These skills are also useful in everyday life, when a person is faced with different characters and behaviors of people whom he has never met before. The ability to quickly rebuild and adapt to unchanging circumstances is due to abstract thinking.

Adaptation of children to the preschool educational institution Each person sooner or later changes the environment of his usual habitat. Each.

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Abstract thinking

Abstract thinking is a type of thinking that allows you to abstract from small details and look at the situation as a whole. This type of thinking allows you to step beyond the boundaries of norms and rules and make new discoveries. The development of abstract thinking in a person from childhood should occupy an important place, because this approach makes it easier to find unexpected solutions and new ways out of the situation.

Basic forms of abstract thinking

A feature of abstract thinking is that it has three different forms - concepts, judgments and conclusions. Without understanding their specifics, it is difficult to sink into the concept of "abstract thinking".

The concept is a form of thinking in which an object or group of objects is reflected as one or more features. Each of these signs must be significant! The concept can be expressed both in one word and in a phrase - for example, the concepts of "cat", "leaves", "student of a humanitarian university", "green-eyed girl".

Judgment is a form of thinking in which any phrase describing the world around, objects, relationships and patterns is denied or approved. In turn, judgments are divided into two types - complex and simple. A simple proposition may sound like, for example, "the cat eats sour cream." A complex proposition expresses the meaning in a slightly different form: "The bus started moving, the stop was empty." A complex proposition usually takes the form of a declarative sentence.

Inference is a form of thinking in which, from one or a group of related propositions, a conclusion is drawn, which is a new proposition. This is the basis of abstract-logical thinking. Judgments that precede the formation of the final version are called prerequisites, and the final judgment is called the "conclusion". For example: “All birds fly. Sparrow flies. Sparrow is a bird.

The abstract type of thinking involves the free operation of concepts, judgments and conclusions - such categories that do not make sense without correlation with our everyday life.

How to develop abstract thinking?

Needless to say, the ability for abstract thinking is different for everyone? Some people are given to draw beautifully, others to write poetry, and others to think abstractly. However, the formation of abstract thinking is possible, and for this it is necessary to give the brain a reason for reflection from early childhood.

Currently, there are a lot of printed publications that provide food for thought - all kinds of collections of puzzles for logic, puzzles and the like. If you want to engage in the development of abstract thinking in yourself or your child, it is enough to find just a minute twice a week to immerse yourself in solving such tasks. The effect will not keep you waiting. It has been noticed that at an early age the brain is easier to solve this kind of problems, but the more training it receives, the better the results.

The complete absence of abstract thinking can give rise not only to many problems with creative activities, but also with the study of those disciplines in which most of the key concepts are abstract. That is why it is important to pay much attention to this topic.

Properly developed abstract thinking allows you to know what has not yet been known by anyone before, to discover various secrets of nature, to distinguish truth from lies. In addition, this method of cognition differs from others in that it does not require direct contact with the object under study and allows you to remotely draw important conclusions and conclusions.

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What is abstract thinking and how does it manifest itself?

1. Definition 2. Forms 3. Types of thinking 4. Features 5. Are people equally developed abstraction? 6. Methods for the development of abstract thinking 7. Abstract thinking and children

Each person in his daily life uses a number of thought processes, one of these is abstract thinking.

Abstract thinking is unique to man. No animal has this ability.

Definition

Abstract thinking is a type of thinking in which a person abstracts from details and thinks in broad terms, sees the big picture. This feature of the brain allows you to go beyond the ordinary, to go towards your goal regardless of the opinions of other people, to make new discoveries. In today's world, many employers greatly appreciate such abilities in their employees, this provides non-standard problem solving, new original projects. Developing abstract thinking in a child is an important task for his parents, since in many ways this is the key to his success in the future.

Forms

In order to understand the essence of thinking, it is worth understanding what forms it has. Forms of thought processes:

A concept is the ability to characterize an object or phenomenon in one or more words according to its most important features. Example: gray cat, branchy tree, dark-haired girl, small child.

Judgment is a special form of thinking that describes objects and processes in the surrounding world, their relationship and interaction. It can affirm or deny any information. Judgment, in turn, is divided into simple and complex.

An example of a simple proposition: "the grass grows." A complex proposition: “The sun is shining outside the window, therefore, the weather is good,” it has a narrative character.

Inference is a form of thinking, thanks to which, based on several judgments, a person draws a conclusion, which, in fact, will be a generalized judgment. A conclusion is made up of premises and a conclusion. Example: spring has come, it has become warmer outside, the grass has begun to grow.

Abstract thinking allows not only to freely operate with these three concepts, but also to apply them in life. Often in everyday activities we use all three forms of abstract thinking without noticing it.

Types of thinking

In psychology, there are several types of thinking. This separation is a reflection of a person's ability to combine word, action and thought or image. Psychologists categorize them as follows:

1. Specifically effective or practical.
2. Concrete-figurative or artistic
3. Verbal-logical or abstract.

It is especially worth mentioning the verbal-logical type, since it is he who accompanies all the significant achievements of mankind.

Peculiarities

As has been repeatedly said, it is this type of thinking that underlies the empirical cognitive function. Psychologists are constantly trying to improve and concretize the processes that occur in our minds. It is customary to divide several directions in abstract thinking, based on the tasks that a person is trying to solve:

1. Idealizing.
2. Generalizing.
3. Primitively sensual.
4. Insulating.
5. actual infinity.
6. Constructivization.

The idealizing form involves the replacement of real concepts by ideals. This greatly complicates the analysis of the surrounding world, since it is very difficult to find an ideal or apply an ideal solution to real circumstances. Human representations are absolutely ideal. Example: "perfectly white snow".

Generalizing type is the main weapon of mathematicians. It is characterized by the perception of the object of thought in general, depriving it of details and specifics, and therefore, making it a little divorced from reality.

The primitive-sensory type consists in abstracting from some properties of phenomena and objects, while their other properties come to the fore. This type is the main one in any human activity, since it is responsible for the perception of the surrounding world.

The isolating type consists in concentrating attention on one detail that is most significant for a person, while he does not pay due attention to the rest of the subject.

Constructivization is a distraction from the general characteristics of an object or circumstance.

Also, abstract thinking is divided into:

Are people equally developed abstraction?

The answer is unequivocal - no. Each of us is endowed with abilities, and they are all different, which is why humanity is so diverse in its views, interests, aspirations. For example, someone writes poetry, and another composes prose, some cannot imagine themselves without music, while others prefer to draw in silence. Such diversity allows the society to develop, to make discoveries in all spheres of life. To live in a world where everyone thinks the same, would that be interesting? However, abstract thinking can and should be developed.

In patients with oligophrenia, mental retardation, and some other behavioral deviations, psychiatrists note poorly developed abstract thinking or its complete absence.

Development Methods

The development of abstract thinking is a long and laborious process. But everything is not as scary as it might seem at first glance. In order to develop this type of thinking, a person only needs to devote an hour or an hour and a half to solving logical problems and puzzles two or three times a week. This is a very exciting process, and you will not have time to look back, how it will become your favorite hobby! In the modern world, there are enough printed publications for the development of logic, as well as exercises and assignments can be found on the Internet. This means that finding such information is not difficult. For example, there is a popular site that presents puzzles of varying complexity.

This kind of thinking originates in the East from the time of the ancient world. It originated as a branch of logic. Logic itself is the ability to think and reason, to draw conclusions about things and their essence. Abstract thinking allows you to build theoretical schemes.

With regular practice, the results will not be long in coming. Within a few weeks, you will notice that it has become easier to think, make long-term plans, and solve issues that previously caused difficulty.

The little man is an open book in which you can write whatever you want! Children are more receptive to learning and developing any abilities. A child's abilities need to be developed through play. The modern toy industry offers a rich selection of games for early development. For example, it can be small puzzles, mosaics, a banal pyramid. At an older age, in order to teach a child to think, invite him to look at pictures in books, explain his understanding of what is happening on them.

Teaching a child to think abstractly is very important. Abstract thinking is not only the key to his creative development, but it is also the ability to question everything, to achieve everything by experience. Developed thinking helps to collect, analyze information and draw independent conclusions, and then back them up with proven facts.

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Abstract thinking - the ability to know the essence

The world surrounding a person is full of concrete things that can be seen, heard, touched. Nevertheless, there is a lot in our life that neither the eyes, nor the ears, nor other sense organs are able to determine. For example, how to imagine infinity, or how to measure the power of love, or what will happen if a modern person is suddenly moved to the distant past? There are answers to these questions, but they are ambiguous, because each person has his own idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat you can’t see with your eyes, you can’t hear with your ears and you can’t touch with your hands. This feature is given to him thanks to abstract thinking, which is also called abstract-logical.

Abstract-logical thinking is the privilege of exclusively people. Animals do not have the ability to draw conclusions, analyze, compare and reflect. They act on instinct. Unlike them, a person can not only study the world around him, but also, on the basis of his experience, represent its components in images and symbols, and even predict the future, considering an alternative course of events. By the way, to understand what abstract thinking is, its skills are just the same.

What are the forms of abstract thinking

Depending on what questions a person is able to answer about the world around him, three forms of abstract thinking are distinguished:

• concept - allows a person to answer the question: “What is this?”, And in one or two words. Here, for example, a woman is standing at a bus stop, and next to her is a tall woman, and a little further away is also a woman, also tall, but extremely beautiful;
• Judgment is the ability of a person to understand “what is happening or will happen?”. For example, when a bus pulls up, the women at the bus stop are likely to get on public transport;
• inference - will allow you to draw a conclusion on the topic: "Why did this happen this way?". Suppose a bus drove up to the women standing at the bus stop, but only one entered it. Why are the other two left? Apparently, this route does not suit them.

Thus, abstract-logical thinking enables a person to go beyond the visible and tangible boundaries of the surrounding world and immerse himself in the world that he creates in his mind.

It should be understood that abstract thinking in psychology is the interaction of connections between the causes of phenomena and their consequences based on personal conclusions. It has nothing to do with what constitutes the area of ​​isolated emotions and feelings. Intuition also refers to the concept, which is not a form of abstract thinking.

The possibilities of abstract thinking

Thanks to the ability of a person to see more than the surrounding reality offers, he receives unique opportunities as a gift:

• evaluate objects or phenomena by comparing them with each other;
• analyze what is happening, decomposing the event into components or combining its disparate parts into a whole;
• abstract from specific circumstances, separating signs from the subject;
• generalize or concretize objects or phenomena, finding correspondences between the particular and the general;
• systematize and classify knowledge, extracting what is necessary and pushing aside what is superfluous for a given moment in time.

All these abilities are inherent in every person, but to varying degrees. However, it is in the power of man to improve these abilities. That is why the question: “How to develop abstract thinking?” relevant at any age, although the sooner an answer is found to it, the better.

How to develop abstract thinking?

The development of abstract thinking must begin from early childhood. The younger a person is, according to scientists, the easier it will be for him to learn a new science for himself. The main thing is to do it gradually and according to age. Parents can take on board a lot of simple tricks:

• play associations - for example, fantasize what the objects around you look like;
• compose fairy tales with your child, the heroes of which can be everything that you have at hand - a comb, a refrigerator, a zucchini grown in a garden;
• draw each other's drawings or ask your child to continue one given sketch in different versions - what is hidden behind the zigzag across the entire page or what spiral circles can mean;
• invent life stories for people you accidentally see - whether they are just passers-by on the street or strangers from glossy magazines;
• create chains of associations - for example, what words can correspond to the word "rest" or what the word "delicious" means;
• solve logical puzzles together - remember, in childhood, we all tried to transport a wolf, a goat and cabbage to the shore in one boat?

There are many ways to develop abstract thinking. It is enough to deal with a child for only half an hour a day, and after some time he will amaze you with the logicalness of judgments and the ability to draw conclusions.

What is abstraction, abstract thinking

Thinking is one of the most interesting and at the same time complex cognitive processes of our psyche. It is thinking that allows us to learn, explore the world around us, compare, draw conclusions, build judgments and come to conclusions, and, of course, create, create something fundamentally new based on past experience.

Each of us is endowed with this ability, which allows us to successfully interact with each other. It must be understood that our thinking has a certain classification and peculiar stages of development. The highest form of development of thinking is abstract-logical.

This type of thinking is based on the concepts of "abstraction", "abstract"; and it is the meaning of the word "abstraction" or "abstract" that makes it possible to better understand the nature of this type of thinking. So, abstraction is a concentration of attention on important, essential aspects of an object or phenomenon. As a result of abstraction, abstraction arises, i.e. some generalization that results from this abstraction.

Forms

It is necessary to consider not only general provisions, but also abstract thinking and its forms. After all, it manifests itself in quite a variety of ways.

So, psychologists distinguish the following forms of abstract thinking:

1. Concepts are the simplest and most basic form of mental activity, since other, more complex ones are based on it. This form combines many phenomena or objects with similar features into one concept. For example, the concept of "chair" is furniture that is used for sitting, it has a seating surface, a back, often legs (one or four), designed for one person.

2. Judgment is a more complex form, which does not consist of one concept, but of several, and with the help of judgment we are able to state the fact of something, and we can also describe objects and phenomena or their relationship. Distinguish between simple and complex sentences:

• Simple is a short phrase, such as "It's raining" or "The plane is flying."
• Complex is a chain of short phrases that gives a more detailed understanding of what is happening, for example, "It's cold outside, it's snowing and the wind is blowing."

3. Inference - the most complex form, which is the union of several judgments, on the basis of which we can draw a conclusion, and therefore create a new judgment. For example: “It’s cold outside and the wind is blowing, so you need to dress warmly.” It is a mental process that allows the development of theoretical knowledge.

Our life consists of constantly operating with both concepts and judgments that lead us to new conclusions. Each of us goes from visual-figurative thinking to an abstract and logical kind of thinking.

There are also the main features of the abstract type of thinking:

• The ability to operate with abstract concepts (happiness, law, life, truth).
• Ability to summarize and analyze information.
• The ability to create a system based on the information received.
• Revealing the patterns of the world around you without actually interacting with it (for example, to understand that it is cold outside by looking at the weather forecast on the Internet).
• Ability to establish causal relationships.

Development

The main question that interests almost everyone is the development of abstract thinking, how it happens and whether it can be influenced. So, according to experts, this type of mental activity develops at primary school age, starting from the age of 7, so it can be developed already in the first grades.

Contributes to its development, of course, the game, it is through the game that the child is able to learn the basic concepts, learn to operate with them, and also build conclusions based on judgments. It is also important to involve the child in solving various problems, especially logical ones or those where there are abstract concepts, such as "perimeter" or "area".

Creative activity also helps develop the ability to think abstractly. These can be drawing, modeling, reading poetry or prose, designing, and so on - the choice of the type of creativity should directly depend on the child's abilities.

If we talk about the development of an abstract and logical type of thinking in adults, then they are also recommended to engage in creativity, delve into the understanding of what art is, turn to philosophical concepts and categories. It’s good to give yourself the opportunity to solve puzzles from time to time, to try a non-standard approach to solving everyday problems.

All this allows you to take a fresh look at the world around, and, consequently, expand the functions and possibilities of your thinking. You need to remember and understand that the ability to think abstractly in different people is not equally developed, so you should not compare your results with someone else's - it's better to follow how you were able to develop abstract thinking in yourself and how it changes.

And the most important advice

Abstract thinking is a type of thinking in which it is possible, abstracting from small details, to look at the situation as a whole. This property allows you to cross the border of rules and norms to some extent and make new discoveries. In childhood, the development of this ability should be given enough time, because such an approach in the future will help to quickly find non-standard solutions and the most optimal ways out of the current situation. Very often, when hiring, employers test abstract thinking in potential employees. The test helps assess coping with problems, finding solutions, and processing unfamiliar information.

Forms

Features of abstract thinking are its various forms: concept, judgment, conclusion. For a correct perception of the term under consideration, it is very important to understand the specifics of each of these definitions.

concept

This is one in which one or more items are perceived as one or more features, each of which must be significant. Both one word and a phrase can define a concept, for example, “chair”, “grass”, “math teacher”, “tall man”.

Judgment

This is a form in which there is a denial or affirmation of a phrase that describes objects, the world around us, patterns and relationships. Judgment, in turn, is of two types: simple and complex. A simple proposition, for example, might sound like this: "a boy is drawing a house." A complex proposition is expressed in a different form, for example, "the train started moving, the platform was empty."

inference

This is a form of thinking in which a conclusion is drawn from one judgment (or several), which is a new judgment. The sources that help form the final version are the prerequisites, and the result is the conclusion. For example: “All birds can fly. The tit flies. The tit is a bird."

Abstract thinking is a process in which a person is able to freely operate with a concept, judgment, conclusion, that is, categories, the meaning of which can only be understood in relation to everyday life.

Development of abstract thinking

Naturally, this ability is developed differently for everyone. Some people draw beautifully, others write poetry, others can think abstractly. However, it is quite possible to form it; for this purpose, already in early childhood, the brain should be given reasons for reflection.

Today, there are a huge number of different specialized printed publications that train the mind: puzzles, collections of tasks for logic, and so on. To develop abstract thinking in your child or in yourself, you need to devote only 30-50 minutes to such activities twice a week. The effect of such exercises will not be long in coming. It has been proven that at an early age it is much easier for the brain to cope with this kind of tasks. The more training there is, the faster the result will appear.

With a complete lack of skills to think in general, it is difficult for a person not only to realize himself in creative ways. Also, problems may arise with the study of disciplines in which there are a lot of abstract key concepts. Properly developed abstract thinking is an opportunity to discover the unsolved mysteries of nature, to know what no one has known before, to distinguish lies from truth. In addition, a distinctive feature of this is that it does not require direct contact with the object under study, and important conclusions and conclusions can be made remotely.

Psychology: thinking, types of thinking

In the thought process, the ratio of the word, image, action can be different. Depending on this, some types are distinguished.

Thinking in the process of historical development

Initially, the formation of human intellect was directly influenced by practical activities. So, empirically, people learned to measure land. On this basis, the formation of a special theoretical science - geometry.

The earliest type of mental activity, from a genetic point of view, is practical-effective thinking, the primary role in it is played by actions with objects (in animals, this ability is observed in its infancy). It becomes clear that this type of cognition of oneself and the world around is the basis of the visual-figurative process. Its characteristic feature is the operation of visual images in the mind.

The highest level is abstract thinking. However, here, too, brain activity is inseparable from practice.

Depending on the content, mental activity can be practical, artistic and scientific. Action is a structural unit of a practical-effective way of cognition, an image is an artistic one, a concept is a scientific one.

All three types are closely related. Many people have equally developed ability to act, and abstract perception. However, depending on the nature of the tasks to be solved, one type comes to the fore, then it is replaced by another, after - the third. For example, practical and effective thinking is required to solve everyday issues, and abstract thinking is required for a scientific report.

Types of cognition by the nature of the tasks set

The tasks assigned to a person can be standard and non-standard, depending on this, as well as on operational procedures, the following types of thinking are distinguished.

Algorithmic. Based on pre-established rules, a generally accepted sequence of actions that are required to solve typical problems.

heuristic. Productive, aimed at solving non-standard tasks.

Discursive. Based on a set of interrelated inferences.

Creative. It helps a person to make discoveries, to achieve fundamentally new results.

Productive. Leads to new cognitive results.

Reproductive. With the help of this type, a person reproduces the results obtained earlier. In this case, thinking and memory are inseparable.

Abstract thinking is the most important tool in human hands, which makes it possible to comprehend the deepest layers of truth, to know the unknown, to make a great discovery, to create a work of art.

Each person roughly understands what abstract thinking is, but often only intuitively gets confused in the connections between abstraction, abstraction, reflection.

What is meant by abstract thinking? Why is it needed and why can't we get by with a specific one? What forms of abstract thinking are usually distinguished? What can be done to develop the ability to think? What things do not belong to this kind of thinking? To all this, I will try to answer you today.

For an easier understanding of today's topic, I recommend starting by watching a short video.

The first thing that comes to mind when I am asked about this mindset ( psychologists also call it theoretical, conceptual): is thinking using abstract concepts. But, having answered in this way, we will understand absolutely nothing either about thinking, or about what concepts can be called abstract.

So, abstract thinking is a psychological process in which a person searches for a solution to a problem by applying concepts and performing actions in the mind, but without referring to experience or to the senses.

Why can't we solve problems based on the surrounding reality? It must be remembered that the knowledge that we possess is too insufficient. We are constantly faced with the incompleteness of our ideas about the world. If we relied only on them, it would not end well. Abstraction helps us at least roughly orient ourselves in the situation, start acting. Thus, at first the purely theoretical passes into the practical. The following forms of abstract thinking help us in this.

Concept, judgment, conclusion

By using concepts we name an object or several objects through its characteristic features. For example, a chair as furniture with a back, designed for one person - this is already a concept. But love, meaning, pain, sadness are no longer just concepts. They are abstract: we cannot touch them, feel them.

Judgment contains a statement about the laws of the world and its relationships. Good weather today is a simple judgment. But the difficult one: “Today there is no rain, which means the weather is good.”

inference takes several related judgments, combines them, creates a new one as a result. Recall from Rene Descartes: “I think; therefore, I exist."

The Gift of Abstract Thinking

The theoretical ability to think helps us to understand each other, not to get lost in the diversity of experience: before you take a step, think! It also brings us a couple of steps closer to knowing the truth. All people have been rewarded with the gift of thinking conceptually, but not all do it equally skillfully.

The development of abstract thinking occurs in childhood, when the child begins to explore the world, gets acquainted with the basic concepts. Already at preschool age, it is necessary to help the baby: offer to solve puzzles, answer his tricky questions about the structure of the world, give him the opportunity to fantasize.

An adult who seeks to think better can begin to solve logical problems. They will give a very quick effect, and they are also able to really captivate. In the network, for example, every day a large number of data appears, solving which will be a useful joint pastime.

Oddly enough, logic is associated with creativity, the development of the imagination. Take a look at the clouds. Do they remind you of anyone? Look for those that look like animal or human figures. Share your discovery with loved ones. It not only develops thinking, but also brings together.

How long have you been playing with shadows in a dimly lit room? But this comic lesson also seriously develops the head.

Signs characteristic of abstract thinking

The ability to think allows you to abandon unnecessary details, to see a difficult situation from a new perspective. And this means that the opportunity to make a discovery increases. Or find an original solution to a problem when the situation seems hopeless. It is necessary to remember what features abstract thinking has.

1. Not tied to the senses (which is how it differs from the specific). It is not necessary to be near the object of our thoughts to get fresh information. It is enough to rely on your experience. For example, having received a deuce, the student already knows what awaits him at home.
2. Generalizes various objects and reveals patterns of the surrounding world. Generalization simplifies information, speeds up access to it (by memorizing characteristic features). For example, if several people are asked to imagine a dog at the same time, they will imagine dogs of different breeds, but all will imagine these animals with their inherent features.
3. It is closely related to speech - the verbal expression of thoughts. Thoughts tend to "sound" in our head. It is language that is a means of expressing and fixing information.

If you keep these three characteristics in mind, you can easily distinguish those things that are not a form of abstract thinking. For example, presentation. After all, it is inextricably linked with the perception of our senses. Even if at the moment you are not near the object, once you were and could study it, and then just remember. Ideas about the taste of food, the image of a person, about cold or heat do not belong to thinking, they are much closer to perception.

How does a person think so?

You can be as surprised as you like with the ability of a person to build complex logical chains, to think about the fate of the universe, but the fact remains: we all really have theoretical thinking. This, by the way, is one of our differences from animals.

Human curiosity, the desire to comprehend the truth, to build a complete picture of reality - all this motivates us to think. And the thoughts themselves cause in us the impulse to move on to practice in order to confirm or verify them. Examples of abstract thinking are always connected with real life. This is what we are used to doing:

• think about the existence of God
• argue about true love
• study and apply the goddess of theory and logic - mathematics (this science is completely based on abstract concepts),
• dream about the future
• come up with jokes using a sense of humor,
• create something new.

And so on ... It is impossible to list everything, and is it necessary?

Abstract thinking makes us intelligent. It makes us see without the aid of the eyes. It is through this process that we have the opportunity to cognize and create meanings. How else would we live?

I would be glad if the article started the process of your thinking and you learned something new. If you like it, share it with your friends on social networks. Let the flame of thought not go out.

All the best, with respect, Alexander Fadeev.

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In the process of understanding the world, a person is faced with exact values, quantities, definitions.

However, in order to compose a complete picture of a particular phenomenon, this is often not enough.

Moreover, it is often necessary to operate unknown or inaccurate data, generalize and systematize information on any individual properties, build various hypotheses and conjectures.

It is in such cases that a person uses abstract thinking.

Abstraction - what is it in psychology?

Abstraction- this is such a process of cognition, in which there is a distraction from non-essential properties, parameters, connections of phenomena or objects in order to identify their more important generalizing patterns.

In other words, this is a generalization that can be made over objects or phenomena, processes, abstracting from some of their properties.

The following concepts are associated with abstraction:

1. abstract logic. It reflects a person's ability to reason, think, build statements, operating not with specific data, but with concepts.
2. Abstract images- these are images that do not correspond to any real object.
3. abstract reasoning- a thought that was formed on the basis of several judgments about something.

The concept of abstract thinking

What is abstract thinking in simple words? What does it mean to think abstractly?

Before considering abstract thinking in detail, it should be noted that there are the following types of thinking:

At the same time, all human mental activity can be represented in the form of the following mental operations:

1. Analysis. Separation of the whole into parts. At the same time, knowledge of the whole is achieved through a more thorough study of its individual parts.
2. Synthesis. Connecting disparate parts into one whole.
3. Generalization. Identification of common features that are inherent in phenomena or objects, with their subsequent unification on this basis.
4. Classification. Separation and grouping of phenomena or objects into classes (groups) based on both common features and their differences.
5. abstraction. Determination of the properties of phenomena or objects, based on their common features with a one-time abstraction from their other specific qualities that are not significant in this situation.

In ordinary words, abstract thinking is activated when a person does not have any accurate information, illustrative examples, does not contact real objects, but forced to speculate and draw certain conclusions.

Such thinking is inherent in theoretical scientists, mathematicians, economists, programmers.

They assimilate information in the form of numerical values, codes and transform it using formulas and mathematical operations - that is, they work with what cannot be seen, touched, heard, perceived through the sense organs.

Forms

There are such forms of abstract thinking:

1. concept. With this form of thinking, a common property is determined that is inherent in objects that also have some differences. For example, a telephone. Phones can be touch-sensitive, push-button or even rotary, be made of various materials, have completely different additional functions - a flashlight, a camera or an infrared port, but, abstracting from these differences, one can single out their common function - to make calls.
2. Judgment. The purpose of a judgment is to get confirmation or refutation of something. In this case, the judgment can be both simple and complex. There is no water in the cup - this judgment is simple. It is unambiguous and brief, there are no additional actions or phenomena in it. An example of a complex judgment - a cup was overturned, water poured out of it.
3. inference. This form is a thought based on two or more judgments.

   Inference includes three stages - a premise (initial judgments), a conclusion (a logical thought process over initial judgments) and a conclusion (formed final judgment).

Examples

A good example of abstract thinking is maths.

When solving examples, we operate only with numbers, having no idea what subjects we are talking about - meaning only some kind of digital value.

Nevertheless, performing certain actions with this value and coming to some conclusion.

Also abstract thinking manifested in planning. A person sets any goals for himself, calculates his own possible steps and situations to which they will lead.

In this case, the supposed situation does not exist in reality, but on the basis of inferences, a person's life becomes more predictable, purposeful and organized.

And yet, abstract thinking does not always lead to a correct assessment of the situation.

For example, a woman who has had a negative experience of communicating with several male partners can make a judgment that all males have certain -, rudeness, indifference.

How to develop?

The child's use of abstract thinking starts in preschool.

As a rule, this coincides with the time when he begins to speak.

He compares his toys, finds differences between one type of animal and another, learns to write and count.

During the school period confidently thinking abstractly is already a necessity, as such subjects as mathematics and physics appear.

At the same time, the more attention was paid to the development of abstraction in childhood, the more easily a person uses this type of thinking in adulthood.

Developed abstract thinking gives a person the following Benefits:

1. Reflection of the world without the need for contact with real objects. A person can operate with any data without the need to use the senses.
2. Generalization of phenomena. This makes it possible to more effectively obtain and use their own knowledge in various situations. A person receives any information, generalizes it with existing knowledge, and subsequently remembers and extracts it better.
3. Clear presentation of ideas. Thought processes can proceed even without internal dialogue, but the final judgment is easily converted into speech.

Although the development of abstract thinking in childhood is of great importance, even an adult can train it by doing certain exercises.

It is important that they are systematic - only constant training can lead to tangible results.

Tasks

Tasks for abstract thinking:

1. Making up oxymorons. You should come up with several phrases in which the words will be opposite in meaning - for example, black snow, cold fire, bright darkness.
2. Reverse reading. For this exercise, you need to read a fiction book chapter by chapter in reverse order, trying to determine how exactly the story began in the book, what preceded this or that event.

   This is a rather difficult exercise, so it is best to take works with a simple plot.

3. Item functions. You should come up with the maximum possible number of ways to use this or that thing - for example, you can write a letter on a piece of paper, make an envelope out of it, light a fire with it, etc.
4. Communication analysis. In the evening, you need to imagine the people with whom you communicated in the daytime, while remembering not only the content of the conversation, but also the tone, posture of the interlocutor and his gestures, facial expressions, surroundings - and reproduce the dialogue in memory as detailed as possible.
5. Initial. You should write any letter on a piece of paper and for a certain time period try to remember the maximum number of words that begin with this letter.

abstraction

Abstraction in psychology- this is such a focus of a person's attention on a particular situation in which he perceives it from the third position, that is, without participating in it, being above it.

Abstraction sets the general direction, helps better formulate the goal, discard irrelevant factors in the situation, focusing on more important nuances.

Lack of abstraction from the situation can lead to a feeling of moral dissatisfaction, low and problems with communication.

How to learn to abstract?

By applying not very complex psychological techniques, one can learn to abstract from the fact that what might be bothering you set your own goals and achieve them:

From society

Prolonged stay in the same society can negatively affect a person as a person - gradually this society, patterns of thinking and perception of certain situations enter his life. This reduces the flexibility of behavior and response in different situations.

In order to abstract from society, try to stay alone longer. At the same time, try not to remember your surroundings. Concentrate on your own desires.

Choose something the activity you like best- walking in the forest, picking mushrooms, fishing, meditation, reading a book - one that does not require the presence of another person nearby.

Change the type of activity- new experiences will make you digress from the usual patterns and switch to your own perception.

From a man

Some people, despite not being perceived as unpleasant by us, can significantly influence to ours.

At the same time, the desires of this person can be superimposed on our own ideas and desires.

In order to abstract from a particular person, you can time to change the circle of communication.

It is desirable that new acquaintances sympathized you, and communication delivered.

Analyze how this person differs from your new acquaintances and identify the differences. You can also be alone while doing what you love.

From bad people

It happens that you have to be in the company of people unpleasant to you, which you cannot avoid - for example,. At the same time, the actions or behavior of these people can interfere with concentration on the task in progress.

In order to abstract from them, do not try to exclude them from your attention, do not perceive their speech as something that can be stopped, but imagine that this is background noise that can disappear by itself.

Like, for example, you can often not hear the ticking of a clock or not think about what is happening on the screen of an always-on TV.

From the situation

In difficult situations, your thoughts may be confused, and your emotions impede a sensible cold-blooded decision.

In such cases, you need to focus on breathing and count, for example, to ten.

Correct assessment can only come with time.

Also try to imagine that you are away from the place, or that the situation is with another person. Try to brush aside minor distracting details, focusing on the most important issues.

Habit can help you learn to abstract plan your affairs in advance setting a clear goal and following it.

In any situation, try to highlight important and minor points - you may first have to analyze several cases and write the conclusions in a notebook. Learn to sequence - do not try to do several things at once.

Abstract thinking is used by us in many life situations, so you can not ignore the ability to quickly and correctly think abstractly.

Take it for granted that thought processes are similar to sports physical exercises - regular exercise help you develop your skills.

About abstract human thinking in this video:

You need to think abstractly, broadly. What does it mean? Dont clear. In the note, the site will consider what abstract thinking is in simple terms.

Concrete thinking is unambiguous. Example: Vasya, if you do not remove this brick from the edge, then Andryukha will hit it with his elbow and we will smash those cars down there.

Abstract thinking is ambiguous, inaccurate. Example: it is possible to die from a brick falling on your head, bricks are heavy and due to negligence they are killed every day.

The product of abstract thinking are conclusions that come from generalizations. Extra information is cut off. This speeds up the process of analyzing the situation with the brain.

With abstract thinking:

• A person tries to combine in a logical chain the general properties of various phenomena, events and objects;
• The process of thinking is limited by the amount of knowledge that a person possesses. It is an "internal dialogue".

Processing the information received, a person forms new knowledge and fixes it in his memory. In the course of abstract thinking, a person uses tools: concepts, evaluation criteria, generalizations, analysis, information, knowledge.

Abstract thinking tools help build causal relationships. Abstract thinking allows you to find correspondences between seemingly unrelated objects and phenomena.

A distinctive feature of abstract thinking is the ability to separate from conventions and particulars, to assess the situation in a clear way.

If you do not develop abstract thinking, you are a fool!

Why celebrate the little things and ignore the big things if it doesn't work? Abstract thinking is possessed by people with high intelligence; thanks to abstract thinking, the horizon of perception of the surrounding world expands. It pushes the limits of judgments, conclusions and conclusions.

6 Types of Abstraction Everyone Should Know

Abstract thinking is closely related to imagination. Their origins are sensory knowledge. In psychology, there are various classifications of types of abstraction. All of them are based on 2 processes: distraction and replenishment. There are abstractions:

1. Isolating or analytical. Fix the properties of objects. For example, "heat capacity", "moisture resistance", "truthful", etc.;
2. Generalizing. Formulate the general properties of objects. Example: "sour", "green", "hard", etc.;
3. Constructivism. Develops real ways to solve problems;
4. Idealizing. Exaggerating the merits of objects: “absolutely pure water”, “ideal figure”, etc.;
5. Actual-infinite. Excludes the possibility of fixing something;
6. Primitively sensual. They divert attention in the process of thinking from some feelings and concentrate it on other emotions.

Forms of abstract thinking

From the general classification of forms of abstract thinking, at least 3 can be distinguished:

1. Concept: reflects the general features and properties of objects, phenomena or events that can be characterized as the most significant for them. Concepts are divided into scientific and worldly. The first are formed on the basis of knowledge, the second - on personal experience;
2. Judgment. They have 2 forms - negations and affirmations. The components of judgments are the subject and the predicate (its affirmation or negation). Judgments can be general, singular or particular;
3. Inference. This form of thinking is the product of the analysis of judgments. On its basis, a conclusion is drawn, which is a new knowledge.

Practical examples of abstract-logical thinking

In the life of every person you can find a lot of examples of abstract thinking. All of them show an extraordinary approach to solving a particular problem. A vivid illustration of abstract thinking is the example of Winnie the Pooh in a balloon trying to get his own honey from the hollow of the “wrong” bees. You can find examples of abstract thinking not only in the life of fairy-tale characters.

An example of abstract thinking #1. Numbers

Mathematical calculations on paper are described using various numbers and signs. And how do calculations occur in the head of a person without paper and a pen? The result of the calculations arises from the game with images. Many people don't even try to visualize the picture of stepwise calculations.

An example of abstract thinking #2. life planning

This element of human life always includes elements of fantasy. For example, someone bought a lottery ticket and, even before the start of the draw, begins to make plans to spend the unreceived winnings.

An example of abstract thinking #3. Idealization

It happens that men and women endow their partners with qualities that they do not have (and never have). The ideal image invented by him can live in their minds until the end of their lives.

The development of abstract thinking in children

There are special programs for the development of abstract thinking in children. It is good for parents to know about them. Child development classes need to start at an early age. To do this, they need to offer them to perform various exercises that develop imagination, logical thinking.

Early childhood development activities may seem simple. Among them: drawing, folding cubes with letters into words, jointly inventing fairy tales and stories. It is very useful to play thinking games. For example, show the child objects and ask him to talk about the associations associated with them.

A child who has not mastered such skills at an early age will not be able to single out something specific from the general in the future. The development of abstract thinking will allow the child to quickly master the school curriculum.

The development of abstract thinking in adults

Despite the fact that learning something new in adults is much more difficult than in children, it is simply necessary to engage in self-development. This develops creative thinking and assists in expanding the range of thinking. To do this, you need to perform a number of specific exercises:

• Learn to create images of various emotions in your imagination;
• Give visual images to ideas;
• Read books upside down
• Draw as much as possible.

The process of development must be daily and constant. The results of the classes will help change a person's life for the better.

Conclusion: abstract thinking is the foundation of human creativity. It allows him to go beyond what is permitted. People with abstract thinking will always be able to come up with a way to fry eggs on stones in the desert or boil them in sand without water, they will be able to increase sales due to non-standard presentation of goods or replace a torn car belt with women's stockings or pantyhose on the road.

Zhanna Nechaeva

Chief editor of the magazine site. Responsible for the quality of the content. Child of the late 80s, experience of relative professional realization. She shoveled about 150 books on psychology, personal effectiveness, finance, motivation and some classics. More details on the page.