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Thought Experiments
Sorensen presents a general theory of thought what they are, how they work, what are their virtues and vices. On Sorensen's view, philosophy differs from science in degree, but not in kind. For this reason, he claims, it is possible to understand philosophical thought
experiments by concentrating on their resemblance to scientific relatives. Lessons learned about scientific experimentation carry over to thought experiment, and vice versa. Sorensen also assesses the hazards and pseudo-hazards of thought experiments. Although he grants that there are interesting
ways in which the method leads us astray, he attacks most scepticism about thought experiments as arbitrary. They should be used, he says, as they generally are used--as part of a diversified portfolio of techniques. All of these devices are individually susceptible to abuse, fallacy, and error.
Collectively, however, they provide a network of cross-checks that make for impressive reliability.
experiments by concentrating on their resemblance to scientific relatives. Lessons learned about scientific experimentation carry over to thought experiment, and vice versa. Sorensen also assesses the hazards and pseudo-hazards of thought experiments. Although he grants that there are interesting
ways in which the method leads us astray, he attacks most scepticism about thought experiments as arbitrary. They should be used, he says, as they generally are used--as part of a diversified portfolio of techniques. All of these devices are individually susceptible to abuse, fallacy, and error.
Collectively, however, they provide a network of cross-checks that make for impressive reliability.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
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March 24, 2019
Great book! Completely stuffed with all kinds of thought experiments, from physics to ethics to consciousness. Chapter 6 outs forward a modal logical structure that i think is particularly helpful for shedding light on how to classify the various positions and counter positions that controversial TEs attract, and which I have used for my own work. The book is a nice read, but very dense. Sometimes I would have liked specific examples to be explained more carefully and in more detail (but that might've made the book twice as voluminous). Philosophers and scientists should read this!
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