abstrakcija

Abstrakcija, or abstraction, is the process of reducing complexity by focusing on essential features while ignoring incidental details. It enables the creation of simplified models, concepts, or representations that can be analyzed, communicated, or reasoned about without requiring every particular instance to be considered.

The term is used in several languages, including Croatian, Slovenian, and Serbian, where "abstrakcija" denotes the same concept. It is derived from Latin abstractus, through Old French abstrait, reflecting the shared European linguistic heritage of the idea.

In philosophy, abstraction describes how general concepts arise from particular experiences. It involves forming universal predicates, categories, or theories by omitting contingent aspects. Philosophers distinguish between abstract objects, whose existence is not tied to concrete matter, and abstract properties expressed by general terms.

In mathematics and related disciplines, abstraction replaces concrete details with general structures. By focusing on essential relations, mathematicians develop theories in areas such as algebra, topology, and category theory. In computer science, abstraction is implemented through data types, interfaces, and layered designs that hide complexity behind usable APIs.

In art and aesthetics, abstraction refers to works that do not imitate visible reality. Abstract art uses simplified shapes, colors, and forms to evoke ideas or emotions, rather than depicting recognizable subjects. It emerged in the early 20th century and has since become a major movement.

Abstraction supports modeling, reasoning, and communication but can mislead if essential details are omitted or misinterpreted. Effective use requires balancing generalization with fidelity to relevant features.