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Publication details

Year: 1996

Pages: 227-240

Series: Synthese

Full citation:

Martin Bunzl, "The logic of thought experiments", Synthese 106 (2), 1996, pp. 227-240.

The logic of thought experiments

Martin Bunzl

pp. 227-240

in: Synthese 106 (2), 1996.

Abstract

In this paper I argue that (at least many) philosophical thought experiments are unreliable. But I argue that this notion of unreliability has to be understood relative to the goal of thought experiments as knowledge producing. And relative to that goal many thought experiments in science are just as unreliable. But in fact thought experiments in science play a varied role and I will suggest that knowledge production is a goal only under quite limited circumstances. I defend the view that these circumstances can (sometimes) arise in philosophy as well.

Publication details

Year: 1996

Pages: 227-240

Series: Synthese

Full citation:

Martin Bunzl, "The logic of thought experiments", Synthese 106 (2), 1996, pp. 227-240.