Question

I see that there is an emphasis on studying the abstract using philosophy, but not much about abstraction. For example, I am interested in the discussion of the following two questions: How would one define abstraction in broad sense?

Answer 1

Abstraction in philosophy is the process of deriving general principles from specific examples, allowing for a universal approach to complex ideas beyond individual experiences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of abstraction plays a fundamental role in philosophy, enabling thinkers to distill broader meanings from specific circumstances. To define abstraction broadly, it is the process by which concepts are derived from the usage and classification of more specific examples, stripping away the particulars to reveal the essence of a matter. Abstraction allows philosophers to approach topics such as morality, consciousness, and social organization in a general manner that transcends individual experience.

Philosophical abstraction is crucial in developing theoretical frameworks that can apply universally, rather than being trapped within personal or culturally specific viewpoints. Philosophers engage in abstraction by examining phenomena in the world, separating them from their occurrences, and looking for underlying principles that hold across different situations. This leads to the creation of abstract concepts that can guide understanding and action in varied contexts.

One’s ability to abstract from specific circumstances is also tied to the pursuit of objectivity in philosophy. Without abstraction, philosophical exploration would be severely limited by the lens of subjective experience. Still, abstraction is not an endpoint; it is a starting point for deeper inquiry and reflection. Philosophers often use abstract concepts as tools to dig into specific philosophical problems or to better understand the human condition in a general sense.

In summary, abstraction in philosophy allows us to move beyond the specific and subjective toward a more objective and generalized understanding of complex ideas. It's an intellectual practice that gives philosophers the ability to discuss and analyze concepts such as justice or beauty without being constrained by any particular instance or interpretation of those concepts.