Philosophy of Mind Flashcards
What is a thought experiment?
A theoretical claim where philosophers of mind explore a hypothetical scenario as a tool to discussing the nature of a specific phenomenon
What happens during a thought experiment?
We imagine a scenario and follow through consequences to reach a conclusion
What is the thesis of the brain in a vat thought experiment?
If it is not certain that our brains are not in a vat, then we cannot be certain that none of beliefs about the external world are true
The Matrix movie is an example of what thought experiment?
Brain in a Vat
What are 2 main questions philosophers of mind focus on when using thought experiments?
- How can thinking about an imagined situation give us new knowledge about the actual world?
- What are the limitations of philosophical thought experiments as a method?
What is John Norton’s view about thought experiments and their nature on arguments?
Thought experiments are arguments “in disguise” - utilize logic and experience to reach conclusions just like arguments while using vivid imagery
What is James Robert Brown’s view about thought experiments and knowledge?
Thought experiments can generate new knowledge - not just a rearrangement of what we already know
What does Galileo’s thought experiment tell us about knowledge in the world?
By executing thought experiments in the real world, we can generate new knowledge
Name 3 theories that explain why thought experiments are useful.
- Thought experiments “trigger” scientists’ memories of anomalies in research
- Thought experiments are inductive or deductive arguments
- Thought experiments can act as genuine experiments
What happens to scientists’ minds when they are exposed to a thought experiment “trigger”?
By retrieving memories of an anomaly in research, scientists can spot some of the weaknesses of their current
theory and seek to change it.
If a thought experiment is an argument, what can be said about such argument?
It can provide new and reliable information in the same way any
other argument does
What are some similarities between thought experiments and actual experiments?
Can disconfirm theories and identify interesting phenomena; provide epistemic reasons to believe in a theory
How do thought experiments differ from actual experiments?
Do not seek to test predictions of a theory, provide non-empirical evidence like consistency, explanatory power, simplicity, or fruitfulness
Why is clarity so important in thought experiments?
If the scenario isn’t clearly defined, there can be multiple interpretations of the same thought experiment, leading to invalid conclusions
What are the 2 critiques Kathleen V. Wilkes proposes about personal identity and thought experiments?
- Methodology critique: thought experimentation should be under real-life conditions
- Personhood critique: continuity in consciousness and unity of the person are under-described and lead to poor conclusions
What is the main difference between thought experiments and real experiments?
Thought experiments: Provide reasons to support a theory through non-empirical methods
Real experiments: Provide reasons to support a theory through empirical methods
Name 2 examples of thought experiments that generate contradictory conclusons.
- Chinese Room Thought Experiment
- Schrodinger’s Cat
What does the thought experiment “continuity of consciousness” suggest?
Our consciousness or belief of self may or may not be replicated if we were to be transported beyond our body or duplicated in some way
