Abstractness
Abstractness is a property of knowledge that makes it easy to use it in a large number of contexts due to the dissociation from detail. For example, the formula for force: F=m*a is applicable in the context of combustion engines, structural engineering, as much as in boxing.
Abstractness is domain independent as it solely expresses the dissociation from detail. Applicability of knowledge may be enhanced by its abstractness, but is domain dependent. This means that well abstracted knowledge may be applicable in one field, and not applicable in another. For example, the formula for force is highly abstract, but it may be hard to employ in artistic painting.
Abstractness underlies applicability. Abstract knowledge is derived from facts/details in the process of generalization that forms the basis of human intelligence.
For more see: Abstract knowledge
This glossary entry is used to explain SuperMemo, a pioneer of spaced repetition software since 1987
Abstract knowledge terminology
- generalization: a process in which detail is ignored to reveal a deeper structure. The term overlaps with abstraction, conceptualization, inductive reasoning, modeling, theorization, categorization, conclusion, unification, colligation, de-concretization, pattern extraction, pattern separation, and more. Example: Trump is a winner is a gross generalization that ignores Donald Trump's failures
- concept: a generalization of a set of objects/nouns. It overlaps with idea, entity, notion, group, etc. For example, animal is a concept derived from objects such as specific cats, birds, etc. Perhaps this should also include: property, attribute, quality, etc. i.e. the abstraction of object characteristics (e.g. the concept of yellowness)
- rule: a generalization of an observed regularity. It overlaps with formula, theorem, principle, proposition, law, statement, and more. Example: "no pleasure, no good learning" is a fundamental law of learning. It is an example of a general rule that determines learning strategies
- model: set of rules that apply to a specific phenomenon. It overlaps with theory, metaphor, opinion, schema, view, (concept) map, (formal) system, and more. Example: jigsaw puzzle metaphor of learning is a model of how knowledge coherence emerges in the process of learning
- abstractness: universality of a concept or a rule, e.g. 2 apples and 2 apples add up to 4 apples is less abstract (i.e. more concrete or more specific) than 2+2=4
- applicability: usefulness of a rule or model. It overlaps with usability. Example: 2+2=4 is useful in counting apples, but not-too-helpful in memorizing song lyrics
- abstract knowledge: well-generalized, highly applicable knowledge that is conceptual/abstract in nature. It overlaps with: "big picture", set of rules/formulas, abstract set, theory, etc. Example: mathematics is the queen of abstract knowledge
- abstract thinking: conceptual computation on rich and complex abstract knowledge