Philosophy isn't just for scholars. It's an opportunity to test assumptions, initiate conversations, and push the limits of logic, ethics, and reality. One method philosophers use to test ideas is through thought experiments, which are enlightening ways to prompt thought and reflection. There are many great thought experiments; we've collected ten classic and mind-boggling examples that will inspire great conversations with friends.
1. The Ship of Theseus
Is it the same ship if every part of it has changed over time?
This old paradox about the identity of a ship and the passage of time raises philosophical questions about identity and change. If you change every plank and nail of a ship, can you consider it the same object, or is it simply a new object? The question does not only pertain to ships; there are many examples to think about when considering our own identities as our cells and memories change over time.
2. The Trolley Problem
Would you pull the lever to steer a runaway trolley to kill one person rather than five?
This ethical problem asks if it is more morally acceptable to create harm to save more lives, or letting harm occur by not acting? It confronts feelings of utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number) with deontological ethics (focusing on the actions themselves).
3. Brain in a Vat
How would you know your experiences actually are real and not simulated?
If your brain was removed from your body and placed in a vat, connected to a computer that was generating all of your experiences - could you ever prove to yourself that the world really is real, and not an extremely sophisticated simulation? Such a scenario raises questions of what we perceive as reality and how we can know we are not just in an elaborate illusion, and was the inspiration for movies like The Matrix.
4. The Experience Machine
Imagine plugging into a machine that could provide you with any experience you wanted. Would you do it?
That is the question philosopher Robert Nozick asked with this thought experiment. It allows us to consider the question of whether pleasure and happiness are all that matter, or if we should instead prioritize living in "reality" as opposed to indulging in a perfect illusion. It makes a challenge to hedonism and a challenge to the value of authenticity.
5. The Chinese Room
Can a computer truly “understand” language, or is it just simulating understanding?
John Searle’s Chinese Room asks if a person following instructions to manipulate Chinese symbols (without understanding them) is truly understanding the language. This experiment questions the nature of consciousness and whether artificial intelligence can ever possess genuine understanding.
6. The Veil of Ignorance
What kind of society would you create if you didn’t know your place in it?
John Rawls’ Veil of Ignorance asks us to design a just society while ignorant of our own status, class, or abilities. Would you still accept inequality if you might end up at the bottom? This experiment explores fairness, justice, and moral reasoning.
7. Swampman
If a bolt of lightning creates an exact copy of you, is it really “you”?
Donald Davidson’s Swampman is physically and behaviorally identical to you, but lacks your history. Is identity about physical structure, memories, or something else? This scenario probes the nature of self and personal identity.
8. Buridan’s Ass
Can a perfectly rational being be stymied by indecision?
A donkey that is placed directly between two wholly identical piles of hay may be unable to choose and starve. This paradox raises questions about the boundaries of rationality and free will. We can always choose or can perfect rationality sometimes lead to inaction.
9. The Allegory of the Cave
Are we confusing shadows for reality?
Plato's allegory describes prisoners chained in a cave who only see shadows on the wall and believe the images are reality. Similar to the way perception can be limited and education can help us to know the truth goes beyond perception.
10. The Ring of Gyges
Would you act morally if you could act without consequence?
From Plato’s Republic, this thought experiment asks if people are inherently moral or only behave ethically out of fear of punishment. If you had a ring that made you invisible, would you still do the right thing?
Why Discuss Thought Experiments?
Encourage critical thought and self-examination. Challenge unexamined assumptions and reveal blind spots. Create engaging, open-ended conversations. Assist in making abstract philosophical concepts accessible to everyday situations. Thought experiments, like debating a Trolley Problem or asking what is "real," offer many opportunities for meaningful interactions. During your next gathering with friends, consider discussing a thought experiment. You never know where the conversation might lead!
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