Definition: The concept of abstractionism, often referred to as a "reductio ad absurdum" or "reduction to absurdity", refers to a method or theory that purports to capture the essence or core features of a thing without any reference to its appearances or appearanceless properties. In other words, it is the act of reducing a subject matter to a mere form, idea, or concept so abstracted that it cannot be perceived in the same manner as its original. This method can lead to the conclusion that an object or substance does not have intrinsic properties but rather depends on external factors such as lighting, temperature, or humidity. Abstractionism is often used to criticize scientific and philosophical theories which assume a subject is capable of recognizing all its attributes and properties without any further investigation. In other words, it aims at isolating the essential characteristics that make an object unique by reducing its appearances to mere form and concept. The term "abstractionism" was first coined by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in his work on the philosophy of science. It refers to a philosophical stance or theory that emphasizes the importance of abstraction as a method for understanding the world, rather than relying solely on the physical properties and attributes of an object. In summary, abstractionism is a methodological approach that seeks to reduce a subject matter to its core features without any reference to its appearances or appearanceless properties. It is often used to critique scientific and philosophical theories that assume an object possesses all its attributes and properties without further investigation.

abstractionism