Full Idea
According to empiricists, the fundamental mental process is not theory construction but abstraction.
Clarification
Presumable 'abstraction' is turning an experience into an idea
Gist of Idea
According to empiricists abstraction is the fundamental mental process
Source
Jerry A. Fodor (In a Critical Condition [2000], Ch.12)
Book Reference
Fodor,Jerry A.: 'In Critical Condition' [MIT 2000], p.149