An abstraction is a simplified representation of something else. An abstraction is not the thing itself, but is often used as the thing itself. As humans, we live in the "real world" - our own senses and experiences - and think in terms of abstractions.
It is useful to keep the concept of "abstraction" in mind to help us understand the pervasiveness of the notion. Abstractions necessarily omit every detail. They provide means of translating the overwhelming detail into something simple enough to be used. Abstractions are open to interpretation.
Art is an abstraction. Even the most realistic art is a representation of something that is real to the artist.
Money is an abstraction. Money simplifies the notion of "value" in order to facilitate trade.
Words are an abstraction. Words simplify our thoughts into means of stimulating similar neural responses in others. This works when our experiences have shaped similar associations for the words.
Infinity is an abstraction. Infinity is more than can fit into our heads, and yet, through the abstraction of a word, we appreciate the idea.
Science is an abstraction. Science attempts to understand the workings of the "real world" - the world "out there" - and formalize it using specific terms and mathematical formulations so that valid predictions can be made.
Consciousness is an abstraction. Consciousness is the summary presentation of our senses and feelings to our ourselves. Our consciousness includes our awareness and the direction of our attention. We don't always separate the two. Often, our attention is directed only towards what our minds are aware of. However, we have the ability to shift our attention. Our attention at any given moment includes only a sliver of what we are consciously aware of.
It is useful to keep the concept of "abstraction" in mind to help us understand the pervasiveness of the notion. Abstractions necessarily omit every detail. They provide means of translating the overwhelming detail into something simple enough to be used. Abstractions are open to interpretation.
Art is an abstraction. Even the most realistic art is a representation of something that is real to the artist.
Money is an abstraction. Money simplifies the notion of "value" in order to facilitate trade.
Words are an abstraction. Words simplify our thoughts into means of stimulating similar neural responses in others. This works when our experiences have shaped similar associations for the words.
Infinity is an abstraction. Infinity is more than can fit into our heads, and yet, through the abstraction of a word, we appreciate the idea.
Science is an abstraction. Science attempts to understand the workings of the "real world" - the world "out there" - and formalize it using specific terms and mathematical formulations so that valid predictions can be made.
Consciousness is an abstraction. Consciousness is the summary presentation of our senses and feelings to our ourselves. Our consciousness includes our awareness and the direction of our attention. We don't always separate the two. Often, our attention is directed only towards what our minds are aware of. However, we have the ability to shift our attention. Our attention at any given moment includes only a sliver of what we are consciously aware of.
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