Definition: Abstraction, also known as abstraction or reductionism, in science and philosophy refers to a simplification of complex phenomena by reducing them to simpler units or elements. This process occurs when we abstract out the details that are not directly relevant to our goal of understanding the system being studied. For instance, if you were studying the human brain, you might consider it as a machine that can think, feel and act like an artificial intelligence (AI) program. You would be interested in reducing this idea into simpler parts such as neurons, synapses, connections between neurons, etc., to better understand the workings of the brain. In more abstract terms, abstraction is like peeling away a layer from a mountain for the sake of seeing its peaks. It allows us to focus on the essential elements and simplifications without losing sight of the whole picture. The word 'abstraction' is an umbrella term that can be used to describe various ways in which we reduce complex systems or phenomena into simpler, more manageable parts. It's like breaking a mountain into smaller, clearer pieces for easier understanding. For instance, you might say something like, "Abstraction allows us to view the universe from a different perspective," or "Abstraction helps us understand that not all information is equally important in a complex system." In summary, abstraction refers to reducing a larger idea or object into its core components without losing sight of what's really going on. It's an important concept in science and philosophy because it allows us to simplify the way we think about and understand complex systems.

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