A thought experiment is a hypothetical situation in which a hypothesis, theory, [a] or principle is laid out for the purpose of thinking through its consequences.

2023年2月15日 · From “Thompson’s violinist” to the “Experience Machine,” these thought experiments will throw your mind for a loop. Thought experiments provide a platform to examine abstract concepts in...

1996年12月28日 · Thought experiments are basically devices of the imagination. They are employed for various purposes such an entertainment, education, conceptual analysis, exploration, hypothesizing, theory selection, theory implementation, etc. Some applications are more controversial than others.

2023年12月22日 · Thought experiments are imaginative devices that can help us better understand philosophy. They are a useful tool in education and entertainment and can be a great way to apply complex concepts to practical situations.

1996年12月28日 · Thought experiments are devices of the imagination used to investigate the nature of things. We need only list a few of the well-known thought experiments to be reminded of their enormous influence and importance in the sciences: Newton's bucket, Maxwell's demon, Einstein's elevator, Heisenberg's gamma-ray microscope, Schrödinger's cat.

A thought experiment is a logical argument or mental model cast within the context of an imaginary (hypothetical or even counterfactual) scenario.

2025年1月4日 · A thought experiment is a theoretical exercise in which philosophers imagine a hypothetical scenario, often involving extraordinary or counterintuitive circumstances, to explore the implications of a particular idea or concept.

2017年4月3日 · If you fancy yourself a kind of genius or if you just want to have some fun thinking about strange things; here are fifteen types of thought experiments that are mind-blowing. If you come up with a new unique answer then you may be the next Einstein! 15. The Zen Koan. Zen is a form of Buddhism.

2024年12月2日 · Thought experiments are more than mental exercises—they’re tools for growth. They challenge us to think critically, act ethically, and embrace creativity, all while strengthening the brain’s ability to adapt and learn.

What makes a thought experiment different from fantasies and daydreams is that they aim to produce new knowl-edge, wisdom, understanding, illumination, or something like that. They typically also have a narrative structure, with a beginning, middle, and end.