What is the Difference Between Idea and Thought?

The main difference between an idea and a thought lies in their definitions and the role they play in the cognitive process:

• Thought: A thought is a mental process that occurs in the mind at a particular moment in time. It can be a piece of reasoning produced by thinking, an opinion, a belief, or a judgment. Thoughts are part of the mental process that keeps on going in the mind unabated.
• Idea: An idea refers to a plan or a process that occurs in the mind in relation to the completion of a work or duty. It is a mental impression or notion, often formed by the combination of thoughts about a particular problem. An idea can be a means of solution to a specific situation or a conception or plan formed by mental effort.

In summary, thoughts are momentary mental processes, while ideas are plans or processes that contribute to the completion of a task or address a specific issue. Thoughts can be seen as the building blocks for ideas, as they pave the way for the formation of ideas.

Comparative Table: Idea vs Thought

Here is a table that highlights the differences between an idea and a thought:

In summary, an idea is a mental impression or concept that relates to the completion of a work or duty, while a thought is a mental process or product of thinking that can be independent and does not necessarily form an idea. Thoughts can pave the way for an idea, and they operate on a spiritual plane, while ideas operate on a mental plane.