abstract principle

Intangible guiding concept

An abstract principle is a fundamental idea or rule that exists apart from concrete examples.

Where a specific principle might be "don't steal," the abstract principle behind it is respect for property rights.

The phrase often appears when distinguishing theoretical ideals from practical application: In abstract principle I support free speech, but this case is complicated.

Related

higher truth · balance · fairness · equal treatment · common good · greater good · harmony · first cause · integrity · unity · causality · duty · virtue · natural law · universal law · autonomy · proof · beneficence

Categories
Opposites
abstraction versus concreteness

abstract principleempirical observation

Facts gathered through senses

sensory experience · specific case

theoretical versus applied

abstract principlepractical application

Real-world employment of knowledge

lived experience · hands-on practice · nuts and bolts · trial and error · direct action

systematic versus ad hoc

abstract principlerule of thumb

Practical approximation, not strict

Family

abstract, principle, abstracts, abstracted, abstracting, abstraction, abstractions, abstractly, abstractness

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