Abstraction and the Human Experience

From Abstraction to the Human Experience

Kristopher Wilson

Defining Abstraction

Concept?

Thank you for

Theory?

Postulation?

Generalization?

Listening!

Construct?

"Something That Exists

Only as an Idea"

Foster a Human Experience

Dangers of Abstraction

Traveling is about connecting people to people!

There is no better way to learn than first person interaction- through experience

Source of stereotypes, preconceptions,

biases, and eventual prejudices

Expose yourself outside a comfort zone

Learning is a two-way process

People are not merely ideas- To view people and cultures as ideas is to deny humanity.

Immerse Yourself!

Learn by Doing

Challenge the Abstract!

You can learn from a book or class,

but you can only know from doing.

Leave preconceptions behind

Go someplace you know very little about

study abroad and international learning experiences force you to engage

Don't be afraid of your initial ignorace: it's part of the learning process

Acquire Perspective!

photo credit Nasa / Goddard Space Flight Center / Reto Stöckli