Abstract Relational Theory

Abstract Relational Theory suggests that our understanding of words and concepts is based on recognizing relationships between things rather than just defining each object individually. For example, instead of simply knowing what a "dog" is, we understand its relationship to other animals (like being different from a "cat" or a "bird"). This approach emphasizes that meaning derives from how concepts connect within systems of relationships, enabling us to understand complex ideas and patterns. It highlights the importance of relational structures in cognition, language, and learning, focusing on how things relate to one another to create meaning.