To one degree or another, abstract thinking is characteristic of every person. It is based on the determination of the features and properties of objects, as well as their translation into the language of symbols. This allows you to mentally go beyond the real world and predict the outcome of events.
Abstraction as a type of thinking
Abstract thinking is a person’s ability to selectively translate information about real objects into symbols in order to use it to search for solutions to specific practical problems. It is most developed among scientists - physicists, mathematicians, etc. Successfully manipulating the acquired symbols and designations, a person was able to learn many successful operations. Abstract thinking allows you to see what is happening from different angles, simulate the outcome of events and draw abstract conclusions. To a certain extent, it is developed by each person, however, in order to develop a strong thinking apparatus, a significant expenditure of time, resources, as well as a strong dedication in one's field is necessary. Abstraction is a kind of generalization of the properties of specific phenomena, on the basis of which a person can mentally "draw" a similar picture and independently come up with a model of the behavior of objects.
To think in the abstract means to highlight certain qualities and properties in a phenomenon or object, manipulating them, one could predict the results of practical activity.
Forms of Abstract Thinking
Abstract thinking is usually divided into three main forms - concept, judgment, and inference. These are elements of one logical chain that allow you to expand the human consciousness. A concept is a form of thinking that reflects the essential features of one or more objects, on the basis of which judgments are built. Judgment is a form of thinking based on the affirmation or denial of any relationships and patterns of the world, as well as objects in it. Inference is a form of thinking that allows an abstract-minded person to make a logical conclusion based on one or more judgments. Usually they are divided into two groups - the premise and the conclusion, which is derived on the basis of them.
In addition to abstract thinking, a person can learn the truth through perception and representation, but their level is often not enough. Abstraction makes it possible to expand consciousness and mentally go beyond reality.