Abstract Attitude

An abstract attitude, as defined by Jung consists of "a view that is contrasted with concretism" which is thinking in a way that uses concrete, solid concepts related to direct observations or sensations instead of abstractions. This view equates having an "abstract" attitude about the world at large as being the opposite of a "concrete" point of view.

Abstract attitude can also refer to a concept introduced by psychiatrist Kurt Goldstein that describes the ability to use concepts to categorize things according to their specific attributes- thinking in a symbolic manner rather than in a concrete manner. The ability to do this can be impaired in individuals with brain damage or diseases.

Abstract attitude can also refer to a mental skill in which an individual is conscious of multiple elements of an environment or situation by coupling them together but is still able to separate and pay attention to the separate components without losing focus of the others. For example, a security guard's abstract attitude would be evident when focusing on a possible individual threat while still being able to focus on the entire crows.