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Abstraction Quote by John Dewey

“By object is meant some element in the complex whole that is defined in abstraction from the whole of which it is a distinction.” quote by John Dewey
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“By object is meant some element in the complex whole that is defined in abstraction from the whole of which it is a distinction.”

John Dewey

About This Quote

Source Philosophy Textbook: Experience and Education, 1938

Objects gain meaning when abstracted from the whole, highlighting relational identity.

In simple terms: Objects are defined by their relation to the whole.

Key Takeaway

Consider context to understand parts.

Themes

philosophy ontology systems theory

Mood

thoughtful academic

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • design
  • education
  • software development
  • environmental planning

Key Concepts

holism abstraction

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines an object’s identity?
  • How does context shift meaning?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on parts may ignore emergent properties.

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