In which cognitive stage do individuals begin to think logically about abstract concepts?

In the cognitive development theory proposed by Jean Piaget, individuals enter the formal operational stage around the age of 11 or 12 and continue into adulthood. During this stage, they are capable of thinking logically about abstract concepts, such as hypothetical situations, moral reasoning, and theoretical frameworks. This ability allows individuals to solve problems systematically and engage in deductive reasoning, distinguishing it from previous stages.

The formal operational stage is characterized by an understanding of abstract relationships and the ability to manipulate ideas in one's mind without the need for concrete objects. For example, teenagers at this stage can contemplate philosophical questions or engage in scientific reasoning without having to rely solely on physical examples.

In contrast, other stages like the concrete operational stage involve logical thinking, but only with tangible objects and specific, concrete situations. The preoperational stage is marked by the development of language and use of symbols, but it lacks logical reasoning and abstract thought. The sensorimotor stage focuses on the learning process through physical interaction with the environment and does not involve logical or abstract reasoning. Thus, the formal operational stage represents the critical point where abstract thinking takes shape.