Abstractly

Abstractly signifies dealing with ideas or concepts rather than concrete things or specific instances. It involves considering something detached from reality, focusing on its theoretical essence or underlying principles. This approach emphasizes generality, theoretical constructs, and the extraction of core elements, often neglecting practical applications or sensory details. Thinking abstractly allows for the examination of complex relationships, philosophical inquiries, and the creation of models or systems that explain phenomena, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the subject at hand.

Abstractly meaning with examples

• The philosopher approached the ethical dilemma abstractly, considering the universal principles of justice and fairness rather than focusing on the specific details of the individuals involved. He aimed to define a moral framework applicable across all situations, separating it from concrete individual biases. His method focused on forming a hypothetical decision matrix based on purely theoretical values. The decision could, therefore, be universally applied regardless of the context.
• Mathematicians often think abstractly, manipulating symbols and equations to derive new theorems without the immediate need for physical verification. Their work is concerned with theoretical relationships. The elegance and power of abstract mathematics are a testament to its ability to model and explain complex phenomena, even if initially devoid of physical meaning. This abstract work is a common path to finding solutions.
• When critiquing a piece of art, art critics often analyze it abstractly, dissecting the composition, symbolism, and themes independent of the artist's biography or the artwork's historical context. They explore the formal properties and their communicative power. The impact of each item is defined by its impact on a conceptual frame, not by personal history. It is a method designed to find and understand true beauty.
• In software development, a programmer might describe an algorithm abstractly, outlining the steps and logic independent of any specific programming language or hardware platform. This allows for a high-level understanding of the solution. The abstract representation forms a blueprint that can then be implemented in various ways, focusing on what the algorithm accomplishes rather than its concrete implementation.