Economics Dictionary of ArgumentsHome![]() | |||
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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. | |||
Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
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Pierre Duhem on Thought Experiments - Dictionary of Arguments
I 270 Thought experiment/Duhem's fictitious experiment: has no foundation other than belief in the principle: what follows is a cirulus vitiosus. >Fictions, >Circular reasoning. I 273 Physics does not grow like geometry, while it continues to produce new theorems, which are proved once and for all, which it adds to already proven ones. >Experiments, >Theories, >Methods._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Duh I P. Duhem La théorie physique, son objet et sa structure, Paris 1906 German Edition: Ziel und Struktur der physikalischen Theorien Hamburg 1998 |