Level of abstraction' redirects here.

The principle of abstraction is a grouping principle

Grouping

Grouping is a form of hierarchical knowledge representation, similar to mind mapping, concept mapping and argument mapping, all of which need to observe at least some of the principles of grouping....

, whereby a hierarchy is adhered to with higher levels of abstraction placed near the top with more specific concepts underneath.

In argument mapping, the principle of abstraction requires that subjective conclusions are supported by less subjective lemmas

Lemma (logic)

In informal logic and argument mapping, a lemma is simultaneously a contention for premises below it and a premise for a contention above it....

, which are eventually supported by objective, or near objective premise

Premise

Premise can refer to:* Premise, a claim that is a reason for, or an objection against, some other claim as part of an argument...

s and/or basis boxes.

Example

For the teaching (not personnel) organization of a university

University

A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees in a variety of subjects. A university is an organisation that provides both undergraduate education and postgraduate education...

the levels of abstraction would go something like this.

University

Faculty of Science

Department of Physics

Subject - Physics 101

Topic - Fluid dynamics

Department of Earth Sciences

Department of Biology

Faculty of Arts

Department of History

Australian History

1850-1854 Victorian Gold rush

Department of Philosophy

Department of Literature

Faculty of Medicine

Department of Immunology

Department of Neurosurgery

Department of Endocrinology