Generalization

The idea of an inverse element generalizes negation and reciprocality.

Mammals generalizes Cats and Dogs.

Generalizations can help our thinking by letting us focus on a few specific things that are true for all the specific examples. What do all trees have in common? What do all cats have in common?

“A tiger is a large cat with black and orange stripes.”

The generalization “Cat” gives us a lot of information about the animal. We need only add a comment about size and a mention of color and when you see one, 15 minutes later, for the first time, you’ll probably know you’re looking at a tiger.

Generalization relates to Hierarchy.