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Abstract thinking understanding. What is abstraction, abstract thinking. Logic is the basis of abstract thinking

A variety of information about the outside world enters our brain through the senses in the form of sounds, smells, tactile sensations, visual images, nuances of taste. But this is raw information that still needs to be processed. This requires mental activity and its highest form - abstract thinking. It is it that allows not only to make a detailed analysis of the signals entering the brain, but also to generalize, systematize, categorize them and develop an optimal behavior strategy.

- the result of a long evolution, in its development it has gone through several stages. Abstract thinking is today considered its highest form. Perhaps this is not the last step in the development of human cognitive processes, but so far other, more advanced forms of mental activity are unknown.

Three stages in the development of thinking

The formation of abstract thinking is a process of development and complication of cognitive activity. Its main regularities are characteristic of both anthropogenesis (the development of mankind) and ontogenesis (the development of a child). In both cases, thinking goes through three stages, increasingly increasing the degree of abstractness or abstraction.

1. This form of cognitive processes begins its path with visual-effective thinking. It is concrete in nature and is associated with objective activity. In fact, it is carried out only in the process of manipulating objects, and abstract reflections are impossible for him.
2. The second stage of development is figurative thinking, which is characterized by operations with sensory images. It can already be abstract and is the basis of the process of creating new images, that is, imagination. At this stage, both generalization and systematization appear, but still figurative thinking is limited to direct, concrete experience.
3. The possibility of overcoming the framework of concreteness appears only at the stage of abstract thinking. It is this type of mental activity that makes it possible to achieve a high level of generalization and operate not with images, but with abstract signs - concepts. Therefore, abstract thinking is also called conceptual.

Figurative thinking wears, that is, it resembles circles diverging in different directions from a stone thrown into the lake - the central image. It is quite chaotic, the images intertwine, interact, evoke. In contrast, abstract thinking is linear, thoughts in it line up in a certain sequence, subject to strict laws. The laws of abstract thinking were discovered in the era of Antiquity and combined into a special field of knowledge called logic. Therefore, abstract thinking is also called logical.

Abstract Thinking Tools

If figurative thinking operates with images, then abstract thinking operates with concepts. Words are his main tool, and this type of thinking exists in speech form. It is the speech formulations of thoughts that allow you to build them logically and sequentially.

Words organize and facilitate thinking. If something is not clear to you, try to talk about this problem, or even better, explain it to someone. And believe me, in the process of this explanation, you yourself will understand even a very difficult issue. And if there are no people willing to listen to your reasoning, then explain to your reflection in the mirror. This is even better and more efficient, since the reflection does not interrupt, and you can also feel free to express yourself in expressions.

The clarity and clarity of speech directly affects mental activity and vice versa - a well-formulated statement requires its comprehension and internal study. Therefore, abstract thinking is sometimes called inner speech, which, although it also uses words, is still different from ordinary, sound:

• it consists not only of words, but also includes images and emotions;
• inner speech is more chaotic and broken, especially if a person does not try to specially organize his thinking;
• it has a convoluted character, when some of the words are skipped and attention is focused on key, significant concepts.

Inner speech resembles the statements of a small child 2-3 years old. Children at this age also designate only key concepts, everything else in their head is occupied by images that they have not yet learned to call words. For example, only a baby who has just woken up exclaims joyfully: "Bye-bye - a woman!" Translated into "adult" language, this means: "It's great that while I was sleeping, my grandmother came to us."

Fragmentation and conciseness of inner speech is one of the obstacles to the clarity of abstract-logical thinking. Therefore, it is necessary to train not only external, but also internal speech, achieving the most accurate mental formulations in the process of solving complex problems. Such an ordered inner speech is also called inner pronunciation.

The use of words in thinking is a manifestation of the sign function of consciousness - what distinguishes it from the primitive thinking of animals. Each word is a sign, that is, an abstraction associated with a real object or phenomenon by meaning. Marshak has a poem "Cat's House", and there is such a phrase: "This is a chair - they sit on it, this is a table - they eat at it." This is a very good illustration of meanings - the connection of a word with an object. This connection exists only in a person’s head; in reality, the combination of sounds “table” has nothing to do with a real object. In another language, a completely different combination of sounds is endowed with such a meaning.

The establishment of such connections, and even more so the operation in the mind not with specific images, but with abstract signs, words, numbers, formulas, is a very complex mental process. Therefore, people gradually master it up to adolescence, and even then not all and not fully.

Logic is the science of conceptual thinking

Logic, as the science of thinking, was born more than 2 thousand years ago in Ancient Greece. At the same time, the main types of logical thinking were described and the laws of logic were formulated, which remain unshakable to this day.

Two kinds of thinking: deduction and induction

The elementary unit of abstract-logical thinking is a concept. Several concepts combined into a coherent thought is a judgment. They are affirmative and negative. For example:

• “In autumn, leaves fall from the trees” - affirmative.
• “In winter, there are no leaves on the trees” - negative.

Judgments are either true or false. Thus, the proposition “In winter, young leaves grow on trees” is false.

From two or more judgments, one can draw a conclusion or conclusion, and this whole construction is called a syllogism. For example:

• 1st premise (judgment): "In autumn, leaves fall from the trees."
• 2nd premise (judgment): "Now the leaves have begun to fly around the trees."
• Conclusion (syllogism): "Autumn has come."

Depending on the method on the basis of which the conclusion is made, there are two types of thinking: deductive and inductive.

Method of induction. From several particular judgments, a general conclusion is drawn. For example: “schoolboy Vasya does not study in the summer”, “schoolchild Petya does not study in the summer”, “schoolgirls Masha and Olya also do not study in the summer”. Consequently, "schoolchildren do not study in the summer." Induction is not a very reliable method, since an absolutely correct conclusion can be drawn only if all special cases are taken into account, and this is difficult, and sometimes impossible.

deduction method. In this case, reasoning is built on the basis of general premises and information given in the judgments. That is, the ideal option: one general judgment, one particular judgment, and the conclusion is also a particular judgment. Example:

• “All schoolchildren have holidays in the summer.”
• "Vasya is a schoolboy."
• "Vasya has a vacation in the summer."

This is how the most elementary conclusions in logical thinking look like. True, in order to draw correct conclusions, certain conditions or laws must be observed.

Laws of logic

There are four basic laws, and three of them were formulated by Aristotle:

• The law of identity. According to him, any thought expressed within the framework of logical reasoning must be identical to itself, that is, remain unchanged throughout the entire reasoning or dispute.
• The law of contradiction. If two statements (judgments) contradict each other, then one of them is necessarily false.
• Law of the excluded middle. Any statement can be either false or true, something else is impossible.

In the 17th century, the philosopher Leibniz supplemented these three with a fourth law of "sufficient reason." The proof of the truth of any idea or judgment is possible only on the basis of the use of reliable arguments.

It is believed that it is enough to follow these laws, to be able to correctly form judgments and draw conclusions, and any most difficult task can be solved. But now it has been proven that logical thinking is limited and often faltering, especially when a serious problem arises that does not have one single correct solution. Abstract-logical thinking is too straightforward and inflexible.

The limitations of logic were proved already in the era of Antiquity with the help of the so-called paradoxes - logical problems that have no solution. And the simplest of them is the "liar's paradox", which refutes the inviolability of the third law of logic. In the IV century BC. e. the ancient Greek philosopher Eubulides shocked the supporters of logic with one phrase: "I lie." Is this a true or false proposition? It cannot be true, since the author himself claims that he is lying. But if the phrase "I'm lying" is false, then in this way the proposition becomes true. And logic cannot overcome this vicious circle.

But abstract-logical thinking, despite its limitations and inflexibility, is best controlled and itself very well "organizes the brain", makes us adhere to strict rules in the thought process. In addition, the abstract form of thinking continues to be the highest form of cognitive activity. Therefore, the development of abstract thinking is relevant not only in childhood, but also in adults.

Exercises for the development of abstract thinking

Think about what shapes can be made from these details.

The development of this type of thinking is closely related to speech activity, including the richness of vocabulary, the correct construction of sentences and the ability to analyze information.

Exercise "Prove the contrary"

This exercise is best done in writing. In addition to convenience, written speech has another important advantage over oral speech - it is more strictly organized, streamlined and linear. Here is the task itself.

Choose one of the relatively simple, and most importantly, consistent statements. For example: "A seaside vacation is very attractive."

Now find arguments that prove the opposite - the more rebuttals, the better. Write them down in a column, admire and find a rebuttal to each of these arguments. That is, again prove the truth of the first judgment.

Abbreviations exercise

This exercise is good to do in a company, it is not only useful for thinking, but it can also entertain you, for example, during a long journey, or brighten up the wait.

You need to take several arbitrary combinations of 3-4 letters. For example: UPC, UOSK, NALI, etc.

Next, imagine that these are not just combinations of letters, but abbreviations, and try to decipher them. Perhaps something humorous will turn out - it's not worse. contributes to the development of thinking. I can offer the following options: SKP - "Council of Creative Writers" or "Union of Krivorukov Producers". UOSK - "Management of individual social conflicts", etc.

If you are doing the task in a team, compete on who has the most original name and what such an organization can do.

Exercise "Working with concepts"

Exercises with concepts, more precisely with abstract categories, which have no analogues in the material world, develop abstract thinking well and establish a connection between thought processes of different levels. As a rule, such categories reflect the qualities, properties of objects, their interdependence or contradictions. There are many such categories, but for the exercise you can take even the simplest ones, such as “beauty”, “fame”, “hatred”.

1. Having chosen one of the concepts, try to explain as simply as possible (in your own words) what it is. Just avoid explaining through examples (“this is when ...), they even scold you for this at school.
2. Pick up synonyms for this concept and try to determine if there are any differences, nuances between the main word and the synonym.
3. Come up with a symbol of this concept, it can be both abstract and concrete, expressed in words or in a graphic image.

After you have worked with simple concepts, you can move on to complex ones. For example, such: “congruence”, “victimity”, “resistance”, etc. If you do not know what it is, then it is permissible to look at the definitions of these words, but you will still explain them in your own words.

The benefit of developing abstract thinking is not only in learning to solve logical problems. Without it, success in the exact sciences is impossible, it is difficult to understand many economic and social laws. In addition, and importantly, this thinking will make speech more correct and clear, teach you to prove your point of view on the basis of strict laws of logic, and not because “I think so.”

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. Determining 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 mathematics.

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 advantages:

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:

The abstract thinking of a person may seem to someone not such an important mental process. For example, why would anyone need to think about what the Universe is, try to solve in advance unsolvable problems of being, or look for the meaning of life?

However, experts will not agree with this, because abstract thinking makes it possible to abstract from trifles and try to look at the situation as a whole. For example, we can consider abstract and concrete thinking: looking out the window you can see Lada Kalina, Toyota Karina, etc. at the entrance, but if you evaluate it concretely, and if abstractly, then there are cars near the house ... And this is the ability of a person to look at the world from different angles.

Abstractness in thinking does not allow a person to stagnate, obsessing over trifles, it allows you to go only forward, crossing the existing limits and norms. This is how innovative discoveries appear in the world and the most difficult vital tasks are solved.

Even as a child, a person must acquire the ability to think abstractly and intensively develop this ability. In the future, this will help to assess the overall picture of ongoing events, draw your own conclusions, and not only look for a rational solution, but also find a way out of any, even deadlock situations.

What are the abstract types of thinking

There are three forms of abstract thinking, without knowing which there will be no realization of what it means to think abstractly:

Intermediate judgments leading to a single conclusion are called "premises", and the final conclusion is a "conclusion".

Abstract - this means unencumbered, free thinking, the ability to operate with judgments, independently draw conclusions. Without these mental processes, everyday life would be meaningless.

Characteristic signs of abstract thinking

This type of thinking is necessary for the full life of people and there are features of abstract thinking that you should be aware of:

There is a conditional division of the thinking process into 2 stages:

• thinking that does not use language;
• self-communication, which is called "internal dialogue".

You should not even question the fact that people get most of their information from print media, television programs, and the Internet. And everything happens with the use of spoken language.

That is, when receiving information from a source, a person processes it, creates a new one, which is fixed in memory. This confirms that language is, in addition to a means of expression, also a method of fixing information.

To summarize, abstract mental processes give a person the opportunity to:

• the ability to use concepts, groups and criteria that do not exist in the real world;
• summarize and analyze the information received;
• systematize knowledge;
• identify patterns without the need to interact with objects and phenomena of the surrounding world;
• build cause-and-effect relationships, create new models of any ongoing processes.

Logic is the basis of abstract thinking

The root of an abstract phenomenon is considered to be logic, which is a native of the most ancient countries - Ancient Greece, India and the Chinese state. That is, this concept arose long before the creation of the modern world, and historical facts confirm that it existed as early as the 4th century BC.

Experts managed to find out that the practical application of logic occurred simultaneously in different parts of the world. This only confirms that world development is impossible without mental abstractions or logical judgments. They are necessary for the study of individual objects, phenomena or the overall world picture.

Today, logic is a whole scientific field that has a clear definition as a philosophical branch, a science that studies reasoning, laws and rules used to obtain correct conclusions about the objects under study.

Thus, we can say that logic uses abstract thinking as the main tool, which makes it possible to abstract from the material and build consistent conclusions.

Abstract-logical thinking has deep roots, because logic arose during the appearance of man, and accompanies him in the process of all stages of development.

Diagnosis of mental abstraction abilities

In modern psychology, the ability for abstract thinking is revealed even in childhood.

Various tests have been developed to find out how this type of thinking is developed in a person:

1. Testing that determines the types of thinking. Naturally, in this case, a positive result is the predominance of the identified type of thinking. Such tests often take the form of questionnaires based on working with images or choosing expressions that suit you. The main purpose of testing is to identify relationships between phenomena and their results (causal relationships). In this case, a person receives the initial data, and on their basis, it is necessary, by applying logic, to come to the correct conclusion. Often, specialists use non-existent terms, this makes it possible to assess how detached a person is and whether he has a stable ability to move away from distracting small details.
2. Tests, during which a person receives some verbal combinations and must try to discover the patterns by which they are combined. Then they spread to other groups of words.

Opportunities for Process Improvement

Having a general definition, abstract thinking is individual for each person. Examples of this can always be taken from life - the mother draws beautifully, the daughter has literary abilities, and the son can think abstractly.

However, the formation of abstract thinking in everyone takes place in childhood, and then this aspect should be developed - the child should learn to think independently, he should be encouraged to think and various kinds of fantasies should be encouraged.

Today you can buy various educational material - collections of logical problems, riddles, rebuses and other puzzles that make the brain work. If the development of abstract thinking in an adult individual is required, then this is quite possible. It is enough to spend 30 minutes-1 hour a day to solve logic tasks in order to get the desired result.

Of course, the children's brain is much more flexible and is able to solve even complex tasks (an example of this is the numerous children's riddles, which often lead adults to a dead end, but do not cause any difficulties for a child), but training the brain activity of an adult will allow you to think abstractly. It is important to choose those types of tasks that are especially difficult.

The child, on the other hand, must be constantly provided with the necessary “food for the mind”, since the ability to think abstractly will not interfere with creative activity, but will help in the future to master numerous scientific disciplines based on such skills.

Of course, a person must develop comprehensively, taking into account all mental aspects and his own abilities. People with developed abstract thinking are distinguished by high efficiency, devotion to their favorite work and the ability to independently find a way out of any situation. And these qualities are also necessary for a harmoniously developed personality.

Abstract thinking is one 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".

1. Concept

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".

2. Judgment

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.

3. Inference

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, 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 only 30-60 minutes twice a week to immerse yourself in solving such tasks. The effect will not keep you waiting. It is noticed that at an early age the brain is easier to decide this kind of problem, but the more training he gets, 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.

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.