Concrete and Abstract Thinking
Jean Piaget uses the terms "concrete" and "formal" to describe the different types of learning. Concrete thinking involves facts and descriptions about everyday, tangible objects, while abstract (formal operational) thinking involves a mental process.
| Concrete idea | Abstract idea |
|---|---|
| Heavy things sink | It will sink if its density is greater than the density of the liquid. |
| You breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide | Gas exchange takes place between the air in the alveoli and the blood |
| Plants get water through their roots | Water diffuses through the cell membrane of the root hair cells... |
Read more about this topic: Abstract Object
Famous quotes containing the words concrete, abstract and/or thinking:
“There can be no difference anywhere that doesn’t make a difference elsewhere—no difference in abstract truth that doesn’t express itself in a difference in concrete fact and in conduct consequent upon that fact, imposed on somebody, somehow, somewhere, and somewhen.”
—William James (1842–1910)
“Every concrete object
has abstract value, is timeless
in the dream parallel.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)
“Philosophy! Empty thinking by ignorant conceited men who think they can digest without eating!”
—Iris Murdoch (b. 1919)