Human Perception: A Practical Guide to Two Thought Processes

Let’s analyze the two thought processes and their coherence with human perception.

The human mind is full of contradictions and anomalies that are subject to individual interpretation, considering the logical aspects. The complexities of our perspectives never stop to amaze us after all these years. Ironically, our thought processes are a mystery to us that remain unexplored.

However, there are certain facets of our brains that are complex for even neuroscience to understand. Besides, our mind doesn’t respond the way we would possibly want, hence making things complicated.

In other words, what seems like an autonomous process of our brain is a pattern that is formed by observations and experiences throughout our lives.

For instance, it is a well-known fact that our mind absorbs information from our immediate environment in a lot of different ways.

But, “What are these ways or processes governing the understanding of our world, and how do we absorb the information using these processes?”

Well, we are going to explain this phenomenon elaborately by discussing the two thought processes. Besides, they also provide us with the ability to handle facts or abstracts in our daily lives.

You can also watch the video below by ‘Philosophy and Religion’ to know about the fundamentals of abstract and concrete thought process:

Difference between concrete and abstract thought processes concerning human perception:

Our thought processes are bilateral. In other words, we absorb information in two different ways. Besides, these ways are dependent upon our psychological preference governed by our past experiences.

However, both these processes contradict each other hence making it easier to gain a comprehensive understanding of our environment.

One thing to remember is that it may be the opposite, but both represent our thought processes. Therefore, they are just psychological preferences and not psychological states.

We possess both the thought processes but utilize one of them frequently as our perception-based tool.

1. The concrete thought process of human perception:

Starting with the first one i.e. concrete thought process,

It is a psychological orientation of an individual that deals with the recognition and absorption of details such as facts or data from a piece of perceived information.

In other words, a person who readily absorbs the details of the information attains the required data. Therefore, gaining a proper understanding of the system.

For instance, when a man uses his concrete thought process to judge women, he would observe some specific character traits or behavior. However, he wouldn’t be concerned about holistic observation in general.

Noticing details concerning the environment comes naturally to people who prefer this thought process. Besides, it also helps them to figure out the inconsistencies present in the world.

Moreover, it also helps people to manage and utilize opportunities as they are more ‘realistic and practical’ than their abstract counterparts. Therefore, they are likely to live in the present rather than dwell in the past or contemplate the future.

Individuals preferring this type of thought process realize the significance of a single drop in an ocean. Hence, abstract possibilities do not sway them.

2. The abstract thought process of human perception:

Abstractions are subjective than concrete data. Unlike the concrete thought process, which is dry and straightforward, the abstract thought process is fluid and complex.

By definition,

It is a psychological orientation of an individual that deals with the contemplation and introspection of ‘holistic’ conclusions such as understanding the ‘big picture’ or the relevance of a concept from a piece of perceived information.

However, it is difficult to understand this thought process as it isn’t dependent upon facts or data but perspectives and patterns formed by an individual through his experiences by observing his environment.

For instance, in the above example, if the man utilizes an abstract thought process, he might not look for specific details in women’s behavior. However, he observes the patterns in their traits and links them to form his conclusions or big picture reality about their general behavior.

In other words, he tries to understand the similarities in general observation and links them with his analysis of the environment. One of the best examples is the truth about intrapersonal and existential reality.

Individuals preferring this thought process can see the forest instead of just a tree. Moreover, they tend to be ‘visionaries’ and ‘deep thinkers’ who believe in explorative perceptions and multiple possibilities.

Significance of human perception in social conventions:

Both abstract and concrete thought processes are significant in shaping society and conventions. However, neither is better than the other.

One of the best things about these is that they help us look for both sides of a problem and guide us to seek unique and perfect solutions. Hence, it is this reason why both processes are necessary and relevant in society.

But, “How each one of these benefits the human conventions, and what are the roles of these thought processes?”

Let us discuss the significance of each thought process in shaping our conventional lives:

1. Significance of concrete thought process:

Our society values a concrete thought process to a degree where everyone expects a detail-oriented thought process with an inclination towards facts and data.

However, this is where imperfections or loopholes exist as society expects individuals to be extremely observant concerning their surroundings.

Due to their realist and grounded nature, they are adept at dealing with practical matters such as managing, commanding, and executing tasks within a stipulated time. Besides, they are also very good at establishing business relations.

In other words, the people preferring this thought process are more rule-abiding and responsible than their abstract counterparts. Besides, they are aware of every minute detail in a system and can point out inconsistencies in new ideas and possibilities.

Hence, they can become great lawyers, managers, and detectives. With this regard, the concrete thought process finds inconsistencies in specific areas that seem insignificant to the rest.

2. Significance of abstract thought process:

The abstract thought process is more analytical and less grounded.

Contrary to the concrete thought process, it doesn’t give much significance to facts and data. However, it values the ideas and possibilities that arise from an intuitive process.

Our society doesn’t give much credit to it due to its tendency to be somewhat impractical and unrealistic. Moreover, it forms patterns and interconnections with ideas.

Generally, the individuals preferring this type of thought process are ‘dreamers’ by nature. In other words, they are more likely to look at the summary of the things around them. For instance, they are very good at analyzing the problem and finding out long term solutions.

Due to their whimsical and analytical nature, they are adept in creative and inventive fields such as arts and sciences. Besides, they are also very good at utilizing opportunities that bring new experiences to the table.

Hence, they can become great scientists, artists, writers, and psychologists with an ability to seek inspiration from ideas and executing them in reality. Moreover, they look for faults from a broad perspective and find solutions to tackle large scale issues.

Final Words:

Human minds have evolved to consider various thinking patterns and possibilities. However, we are yet to discover the true potential of our thought processes and their benefits. Besides, there are many secrets about the functions of our brain that time shall reveal.

Nevertheless, using our thought processes, we can strike a balance between detail and imaginative perspective to make the world a better place.