Thought experiments: A thought experiment is a mental exercise in which an idea or concept is examined without physical experimentation. It involves imagining hypothetical scenarios in order to understand or illustrate complex principles, theories or philosophical concepts. Thought experiments are used in physics, philosophy and cognitive science, for example, to test hypotheses, question assumptions or investigate the effects of certain ideas. See also method, theories, experiments._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. |