Which stage of cognitive development includes abstract thinking according to Piaget?

The stage of cognitive development that includes abstract thinking according to Piaget is the Formal Operational stage. During this stage, typically starting at around 12 years of age and continuing into adulthood, individuals develop the ability to think logically about abstract concepts. They can reason hypothetically, think about possibilities, and use deductive reasoning to solve problems. This allows them to understand and manipulate abstract ideas, such as justice, love, and scientific principles, rather than being limited to concrete, tangible objects and experiences.

In contrast, the other stages focus on different cognitive abilities. The Concrete Operational stage, which occurs from approximately 7 to 11 years of age, is characterized by the development of logical reasoning but primarily with concrete objects and situations. The Preoperational stage occurs from ages 2 to 7, where thinking is still quite egocentric and characterized by symbolic play but lacks logical reasoning. The Sensorimotor stage, from birth to about 2 years, is defined by learning through sensory experiences and motor actions, with no capability for abstract thought.