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Bringing thought experiments back into the philosophy of science
1Department of Philosophy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Studies in History and Philosophy of Science
|May 23, 2024
Summary
Philosophy of science has shifted from thought experiments to case studies. This study argues that thought experiments effectively complement case studies, forming a robust, mixed-methods approach for stronger evidential claims.
Area of Science:
- Philosophy of Science
- Epistemology
- Scientific Methodology
Background:
- The evidential basis in philosophy of science has largely transitioned from thought experiments to case studies.
- This shift may represent a suboptimal methodological approach to evidence generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue against the abandonment of thought experiments in philosophy of science.
- To demonstrate the complementary value of thought experiments alongside case studies.
- To advocate for a mixed-methods approach in philosophical inquiry.
Main Methods:
- An analogy is drawn between the relationship of experiments and observations in science.
- The synergistic potential of combining thought experiments and case studies is explored.
- Potential concerns regarding the use of thought experiments are addressed.
Main Results:
- Thought experiments can effectively complement case studies, mirroring how experiments and observations support each other in science.
- A combined approach mitigates the individual limitations of each method.
- Concerns about thought experiments can be overcome through judicious application.
Conclusions:
- Abandoning thought experiments was a methodological misstep.
- Thought experiments and case studies are mutually supportive evidential tools.
- A mixed-methods approach integrating thought experiments and case studies enhances the evidential base in philosophy of science.
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