Definition of conceptual

The term "conceptual" originated in philosophy and psychology during the 1930s and 1940s as a way of describing mental constructs or ideas. These concepts are not directly observable in reality but rather represent our understanding of the world based on our experiences and knowledge. In philosophy, the conceptual approach emerged as a way to explain how we make sense of the world around us. It suggests that all our perceptions, thoughts, and actions are filtered through our existing concepts and beliefs, which means that our reality is fundamentally a construct of our own minds. In psychology, conceptual learning refers to the ability to learn abstract concepts and generalize that knowledge to new situations. This type of learning differs from rote memorization, which is the ability to remember specific facts and details. In art and design, the term "conceptual" has come to represent an artistic movement that emphasizes the idea or concept behind the artwork over its physical form. Conceptual art challenges traditional notions of what is considered art and instead focuses on presenting new ways of thinking about and understanding the world. Overall, the word "conceptual" refers to the idea or concept behind something, as opposed to its physical or observable form. It highlights the importance of understanding the mental constructs that underpin our perceptions and actions.