Idea and concept are confused due to similarity in their denotations. One when the spark is initiated is called an idea, and another where the procedure is built afterwards to prove the idea is called a concept.
Idea and concept are both terms that take you to the same place, but one is a start, and another is a destination. An idea is vague thinking, but a concept needs deep thoughts and facts. An idea is different from a concept in thinking and application, respectively.
Key Takeaways
- An idea is a mental impression that can be a thought, opinion, or plan. A concept is a more developed, well-defined idea that can be applied in a particular context.
- Ideas are abstract, while concepts are more tangible.
- Concepts have a specific purpose, while ideas can be vague and generalized.
Idea vs Concept
An idea is a general mental representation of something, vague and abstract. It can be a thought or suggestion about something that may or may not be fully formed or developed. A concept is a more specific and developed mental representation of something, based on a set of principles or theories. It is a general idea that has been clarified, defined, and organized into a coherent structure.
The idea is an instant thought which can solve a problem. When you are facing some issue in a particular situation, your mind functions in a way to find the best possible solution that helps you to get through the difficulties easily.
This solution is called an idea. The idea can also be called a perception when a person says,’ I had an idea that Rohan was married.’ Where he didn’t know that Rohan was unmarried.
A concept is a procedure where a person transforms his idea into an application with the help of other individuals. The concept can also be called an explanation of the combined ideas of a common interest of a group of individuals.
It is a theory-based idea that requires a carefully thought-out arrangement of facts leading to something that can be subjected to further consideration or investigation. When the idea is researched and described, it is called as a concept. A concept is a final form of an idea.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Idea | Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The instant thought of mind in a particular situation to solve a problem is called an idea. | A procedure used to describe the idea is called a concept. |
| Individuals needed | single individual thought | can involve group of individuals |
| Nature | Not abstract | Abstract |
| Philosophy | Normative | Constitutive |
| Example | ‘I have an idea of living in Mountains.’ | ‘Social Conditioning Theory’ |
What is Idea?
An idea is a mental impression that comes when a person wants to come to some conclusion instantly. The first thought, which may or may not solve a problem but is the way forward in difficulty, is called an idea.
Ideas bring out the best in a person’s mind. When a person observes the outside world, he may find some interesting ideas to help himself or the world, which, when executed, could be helpful. Sometimes the word ‘idea’ is also used to describe a situation.
For example, ‘I have an idea, let’s order a hamburger.’ The idea of having a hamburger is instant and doesn’t require deep thought but it can still solve the problem of hunger. The person may or may not like the hamburger, but it was the mental effort to fulfil the need of the moment.
The idea is based on vague thinking and cognitive phenomena, a sudden response but could also be a thoughtful response.
An idea needs rough thinking and requires mental effort.
An idea doesn’t always work in a manner we always want, but when it works, it gives immense satisfaction. An idea is not abstract. It doesn’t explain the effort made to complete the process afterwards.
It is just the initial spark. The idea is someone’s truth but has no proof. It is an inspiration that comes into an individual’s subconscious mind through interaction with the surroundings.
What is Concept?
A concept is a procedure done to execute the idea. It is more or less a final form of an idea that has gone through a lot of changes for refinement. It involves a group of individuals who pick up their ideas together and work to make one concept productive.
When the concept is built, one can see the starting point, development, and ending point. It can also be called a strategy which leads to an outcome. Concepts are more tightly defined or focused on something less defined.
One needs an idea that eventually turns into a concept. One can say, ‘Let’s bake a pizza.’ This is an idea, and the recipe followed afterwards is a concept.
The flour, salt, yeast etc., needed to bake a pizza requires thoughtful analysis, and this is called a concept which was initiated by an idea. It is a process which man experiences with time.
It depends upon understanding and observing thoughts and proving them to be true. It is used to explain a thought or an idea. It is right to say that an idea generates a concept.
It is a calculative and experimental interpretation of an idea. For example, ‘ Water has no color.’ is a concept and is true for everyone. A concept is a building with ideas being the building blocks.
Main Differences between Idea and Concept
- An idea initiates a spark needed for the generation of a concept. A concept is the outcome of an idea.
- An idea is not abstract in nature, whereas a concept is an abstract notion.
- An idea is an individual’s mental effort, whereas a concept is placed by a group of individuals
- An idea doesn’t require an explanation, but a concept is well thought out with an explanation.
- An idea comes after a situation and observing the surroundings, whereas a concept comes after an idea.
- An idea is a free thought of a person, whereas a concept is tightly defined and focused.
- An idea is less notional, whereas a concept is associated with scholastic terms like growth, mindset etc.
- An idea is more impulsive than a concept.
- https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003070733-4/meaning-concept-philosophy-islam-seyyed-hossein-nasr
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-94-009-4364-3_4
Last Updated : 01 August, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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Absolutely, the comparison between an idea and a concept highlights their differing nature and purpose. Recognizing this difference is essential for their successful utilization.
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The idea that an idea is instant and doesn’t require deep thought, while a concept involves carefully thought-out arrangements and facts, presents a clear distinction between the two. This differentiation is essential for understanding their practical application.
The detailed explanation of an idea as an instant thought and a concept as a procedure that transforms an idea into an application provides clarity on their differing characteristics. Understanding the difference is crucial for their effective implementation.
I agree. The explanation of an idea as a vague thought and a concept as a more tangible and organized structure provides valuable insight into their distinctive nature and implications.
Well-stated. The clear distinction between an idea and a concept is essential for understanding their respective roles in solving problems and creating strategies.
The comprehensive explanation of the nature and purpose of an idea vs concept enhances our understanding of their roles in creativity and problem-solving. Recognizing this difference is crucial for their effective implementation.
Absolutely, the distinction between an idea and a concept is essential for understanding their respective aspects and applications. This differentiation is fundamental to their successful utilization.
The clear differentiation between an idea as an initial spark and a concept as a final form of an idea enhances our understanding of the creative process. Recognizing this difference is essential for their successful utilization.
Absolutely, the explanation of an idea and a concept helps to clarify their roles and implications. Understanding this difference is crucial for effective application in various contexts.
Both idea and concept are related to thoughts and implementation, with idea being the start and concept being the outcome. An idea is an initial spark, while a concept is more tangible and concrete. They are both important in the creative process.
Absolutely, an idea is just the starting point, while a concept is the result of carefully thought-out arrangements and facts. This difference is crucial to understand in creative and problem-solving processes.
I agree, the definition and characteristics of an idea and a concept are crucial for understanding their roles in the creative process. This distinction is important for practical application.
The example of an idea as a mental impression and a concept as a strategic procedure provides valuable insight into their differing functions. Recognizing this distinction is essential for understanding their roles and application.
Agreed, this example provides a clear distinction between an idea and a concept, which is crucial for understanding their nature and implications in various contexts.
Well-stated. Understanding the difference between an idea and a concept is fundamental to their successful application in creative processes and problem-solving.
The in-depth explanation of an idea as an instant thought and a concept as the final form of an idea helps to clarify their differing characteristics and importance. Understanding this difference is crucial for their successful application.
Well-stated. The detailed explanation of an idea and a concept provides invaluable insight into their differing nature and implications. Recognizing this difference is essential for their successful utilization.
The comparison table between an idea and a concept provides clarity on their differing characteristics, nature, and usage. Understanding this distinction is crucial for their successful implementation.
The comparison between an idea and a concept effectively highlights their differing characteristics and implications. Recognizing this distinction is essential for their successful application.
I completely agree. The table clearly illustrates the differences between an idea and a concept, which is fundamental to understanding their roles and implications.
The difference between an idea and a concept lies in their level of abstraction and tangibility. An idea is an initial thought or impression, while a concept is a more specially developed mental representation that can be applied in a particular context.
Well-stated. It’s important to distinguish between an idea and a concept, especially when considering their philosophical and practical implications in various domains.
Absolutely, understanding the distinction between an idea and a concept is fundamental to their application in problem-solving and creativity. This differentiation can lead to more effective implementation.