Model and representation
Abstraction
Abstraksjon
Extended note
Abstraction makes complex relations manageable, but its validity depends upon what is omitted not being decisive for the stated purpose.
Limitations
Not the same as
- Complete description
- Arbitrary omission
- Ontological identity
Related terms
Methodological relevance
Model Audit should document what is selected, what is omitted, and when the omission ceases to be defensible.
Sources and principal occurrence
Source note: DET SOM ER, especially pp. 29–31 and 41–48; T5, the section on abstraction, idealisation, and approximation.
- DET SOM ERThe foundational work and primary source.
- T5 — Models and RepresentationThe sustained theory document on models, measurement, simulation, validation, and assignment.
Correct and incorrect use
Correct use
The model abstracts from local variation in order to display the general relation.
Incorrect or over-strong use
The model omits the property; therefore the property does not exist.
Suggested citation
Suggested citationVikesland, M. A. A. (2026). “Abstraction”. Røyndalism — Lexicon, content version 1.0.
APAVikesland, M. A. A. (2026). Abstraction (version 1.0). Røyndalism. https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/abstraction/
MLAVikesland, Martin A. A.. “Abstraction.” Røyndalism, version 1.0, Vikesland Press, 2026, https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/abstraction/.
ChicagoVikesland, Martin A. A.. “Abstraction.” Røyndalism. version 1.0. Vikesland Press, 2026. https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/abstraction/.
IEEEM. A. A. Vikesland, “Abstraction,” Røyndalism, version 1.0, Vikesland Press, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/abstraction/
CSEVikesland MAA. 2026. Abstraction. version 1.0. Røyndalism. Vikesland Press. Available from: https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/abstraction/
Check institutional requirements for access date, line breaks, and minor differences among style manuals.
Revision note
- Document version
- 1.0
- First published
- 18 June 2026
First public edition.