Question

A theory is an abstraction from reality. What does this statement mean?

Short answer

The statement 'A theory is an abstraction from reality' suggests that theories are simplified models or explanations of how things work in reality, derived from generalizing common characteristics among specific instances.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Fundamental Concepts

The initial approach forms the basis of understanding the core concepts: theory and abstraction. A 'theory' is a proposed explanation or model of how something in the world works, while 'abstraction' is the process of considering something independently of its specific details or concrete characteristics.

Relation of Theory and Abstraction

Next is to determine the relation of the two concepts within the given statement. Here, theory is referred to as 'an abstraction from reality'. This means that theories are developed by abstracting, or generalizing, from specific instances or examples that are seen to have common characteristics.

Elaborate the Whole Statement

Finally, combining the understanding of the separate concepts and their relation, the whole statement can be elaborated. A theory, being an abstraction from reality, implies that it is a simplified representation of reality. It can't account for all details of the real world but it summarizes the main, common points that help us make sense of the world.