Formation of concepts. The process of concept formation

Conceptual thinking is available only to man from all living beings. It is we who possess such a strong intellect that we are able to abstract all previous knowledge. Conceptual thinking not only helps us in everyday life, but also in the learning process. And it is not known where it is more useful. Man's ability to comprehend science emerged due to the fact that there is the formation of concepts. They play a central role in human training. But let's start from the very beginning in more detail, what are concepts, and how they help a person to learn. And after that we'll figure out how they are formed.

What are concepts

Formation of concepts is a rather incomprehensible thing, since scientists still can not give a clear definition to the very term "concept". After all, as it turns out, the very meaning of the words "term" and "concept" is not identical. What are they different? The main difference is that the term is only a word that can describe a concept.

A concept is the content in the human brain of a certain image associated with this word. But this, if to speak very conditionally. If to express more specifically, then no one could say. But without thinking it is still impossible to form a concept. The formation of concepts is a complex phenomenon, in which not only thinking, but also imagination, perception, memory and other mental processes take part.

This position is closest to the representatives of the associational approach in psychology regarding thinking. As for philosophy, there is also no unity about what a concept is. So, Plato believed that this is what the idea is about. But the idea does not exist directly in the world, but a person can feel it. But regardless of how the concept is called, it does not cease to be so. Let us now dwell in more detail on the mechanism of concept formation. But first of all, we should dwell on such a point as "definition." Is it directly a concept or not?

What is a definition?

Definition is a sentence in which the essence of a certain concept is revealed and the main features that accompany it. Definitions are the basis of any learning, but it is impossible to convey through them the whole variety of details that are available in concepts. Moreover, the definitions may become obsolete.

This happened with the definition of the concept of "smartphone" in 2004, which has now been transformed into a "miniature computer with the ability to call." As for those distant times, there was a smartphone called a phone with some computer capabilities. And so it happened. Therefore, the definitions are characterized by dynamism. However, as for concepts. And only if you directly comprehend this topic, you can really understand the meaning of a certain term, and not just looking at the definition.

Nevertheless, all the information in our brain is simply saturated with all sorts of definitions. And this is fine, because thanks to them we can briefly explain to another person the meaning of a certain concept. But full understanding in his head will not be. However, it is not always necessary.

Formation of concepts among students or ordinary people

The process of concept formation is quite simple. But it must be taken into account that in order for it to form, it is necessary to study carefully the material. No, there is some understanding of the phenomenon under consideration and so will the person. But only if to provide a detailed understanding, then the formed concept in a person will be the most qualitative.

Concept as a form of thinking. Concept formation

What is necessary for the formation of concepts in humans? Is there a science that studies the formation of concepts? Logic - here it is. It is actively used not only among philosophers, but also psychologists. In general, it is very difficult for psychologists to answer the question of how concepts are formed. But at the same time something is known not only to psychologists, but also to ordinary people. First of all, for the formation of any concept it is necessary that there be information. Further it is passed through the human brain, which provokes the formation of a huge number of connections between neurons.

At the same time in the brain all this information is ordered and systematized, which leads to the formation of not one concept, but their huge number at a time. At the same time, the brain has definitions for each word that a person has ever taught. Thanks to this, you can form a definition for anything. Actually, this exercise helps to learn a lot of interesting and useful things. Let's take a more detailed look at how, through the making of definitions, to form the most detailed concepts in your brain.

"Making definitions" as an effective teaching technique

It is very simple, but its efficiency is clearly at the highest level. Here is an instruction on how the basic education goes through. The concept should be as accessible to you as possible, but at the same time it is laconic. This effect you must achieve.

1. From the very beginning, we read in detail the material that we would like to study.
2. After this, in the form of a list, graphs or other elements of structuring, we write out the main features associated with the phenomenon under consideration.
3. After that we make at least five definitions to the concept.

It is important to ensure that they are as large as possible. In this case, a positive effect is achieved in training. This is such a simple at first glance, but really working method of teaching, which can be used by every student or schoolchild.