CF Dictionary · Objectivism Terms
Abstraction (Oism)
Oism's view of abstraction: abstractions are real, integrated conceptual units formed by omitting measurements.
In Oism, abstraction is the process of forming a new integrated concept by omitting measurements. "Table" is an abstraction that omits size, colour, material. "Justice" omits specific cases. The abstraction is a real mental object that can be integrated with others.
How abstraction works
- Observe many particular things. Tables of various sizes.
- Identify commonalities. "Has a flat top, supported by legs."
- Omit specifics. Drop size, colour, material.
- Form the abstraction. "Table" — a unit that fits in mind.
Why Oism treats abstractions as real
- They enable thought. Without abstractions, you can't generalise.
- They're communicable. You can hand the abstraction to others.
- They can be wrong. "Platonism" can be criticised and refined.
- They're in World 3. Real but abstract.
CF's use
CF uses abstractions for:
- IGC components. "Idea", "goal", "context" are abstractions.
- Factors. "Price", "cuteness", "speed" are abstractions.
- Breakpoints. "Enough", "fit", "fast" are abstractions.
- Paths Forward.: A protocol — an abstraction you follow.
Abstractions can mislead
- Reification. Treating the abstraction as if it were the particulars.
- Bias. Pre-existing abstractions colour perception.
- Overreach. Trying to use an abstraction before understanding it.
CF's advice
- Form abstractions deliberately. Don't just absorb cultural ones.
- Criticise your abstractions. Like any IGC, they can be refuted.
- Keep them integrated.: Make sure they fit with your other concepts.
"abstraction" is one of Oism's big ideas that intersect with CF. — criticalfallibilism.com