Thought Experiments

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4 Terms

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What is a thought experiment?

A hypothetical scenario or mental exercise designed to explore the implications of a theory, principle, or concept

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What’s the difference between a thought and scientific experiment?

scientific experiments rely on empirical observation and physical manipulation, thought experiments are conducted entirely within the mind

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What makes up thought experiments?

  1. Imagination: Constructing a vivid, often simplified, hypothetical situation

  2. Hypothetical Scenarios: Presenting a "what if" question that challenges common assumptions or explores extreme cases.

  3. Logical Deduction: Following the implications of the imagined scenario to draw conclusions about a philosophical problem.

These strip away complexities of the real world to focus on the core elements of a philosophical issue.

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Why are thought experiments important in philosophy?

  1. Testing intuitions

  2. Clarifying Concepts & Theories

  3. Exposing implications and contradictions

  4. Generating new ideas and questions

  5. Focusing on core issues