Final answer:
Conceptual Analysis is the process of breaking complex ideas into simpler parts for greater understanding, often used in philosophy to dissect and examine the components of thoughts and assertions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of mentally "taking ideas apart to look at them in more detail" is referred to as Conceptual Analysis. This form of analysis is essential in the realm of philosophy to break down complex ideas into their simpler components, allowing for a better comprehension of the topic at hand. Notions or ideas are dissected to understand their individual parts, often leading to a clearer and more workable definition of the concepts being examined.
Through conceptual analysis, philosophers can systematically uncover hidden meanings and implications within beliefs and assertions. It is a critical thinking tool that involves metacognition, evaluating the structure and foundation of thoughts, much like Socrates' approach to self-examination.
Fields like philosophy utilize various techniques, including Derrida's concept of deconstruction, to challenge preconceived notions and explore the merits of what may be considered underprivileged ideas. This process fosters original thinking and encourages the synthesis of information across different perspectives.