Thought Experiments in Science and PhilosophyTamara Horowitz, Gerald J. Massey Despite their centrality and importance to both science and philosophy, relatively little has been written about thought experiments. This volume brings together a series of extremely interesting studies of the history, mechanics, and applications of this important intellectual resource. A distinguished list of philosophers and scientists consider the role of thought experiments in their various disciplines, and argue that an examination of thought experimentation goes to the heart of both science and philosophy. |
Contents
Preface | 1 |
Thought Experimentation | 31 |
Mediaeval ThoughtExperiments | 43 |
Copyright | |
16 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
absolute actual analysis analytic argues argument assumption believe black body radiation causal claim Clyde conceivability concepts conclusion consider construction context counterfactual Darwin decision theory Descartes Descartes's discussion distinct Einstein empirical epistemic equation essence eternal truths Euler's example existence fact function Galileo geometry given Gullibles Heraclitus Hume hypothesis hypothetical reasoning idealized imaginary imagine iments impossible inconceivable incunabulum inductive initial intuition Ishiguro Jenkin justified Kant Kuhn language language-game laws linguistic logical Mach Mach's mathematical mediaeval ments method mind modal modus ponens motion natural selection necessary Newcomb's problem Newton's Newton's bucket Nicholas Rescher Norton objects obligationes observation particle particular philosophical Philosophy of Science physical experiment position possible Presocratics principle propositions quantities question rational real experiments relevant result scientific semantic sensations sense sentences situation sort string theoretical thesis things thought experimentation thought experiments tion true University variation Xenophobes