thought experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought experiment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in philosophical, scientific, or theoretical discussions to describe an idea or scenario that is imagined to explore its implications or outcomes. Example: "In his latest book, the author presents a thought experiment that challenges our understanding of free will."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They relied on thought experiments, and a thought experiment is like a historical narrative.

The New York Times - Books

For the record, this thought experiment is consistent with my personal experience.

Huffington Post

Consider the following thought experiment.

The New York Times

Instead, try this thought experiment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Try this simply thought experiment.

University of California, Berkeley

Try a quick political thought experiment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, try a time-travel thought experiment.

University of California, Berkeley

Think of the Anthropocene as a science fiction thought experiment.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

These are thought experiments.

The Washington Post

They're thought experiments, revolving possibilities.

The Guardian - Books

Thought experiments have a long tradition in science.

Journal of Physiology-Paris

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thought experiment", clearly define the parameters and assumptions of your scenario to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting the conclusions of a "thought experiment" as empirical evidence or proven facts. Clearly distinguish between hypothetical scenarios and actual data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought experiment" functions as a noun, referring to a mental exercise used to explore the consequences of an idea or theory. Ludwig examples show it used across various contexts to introduce hypothetical scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thought experiment" is a well-established and frequently used term, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a noun to describe a hypothetical scenario designed for exploring concepts and stimulating critical thinking. Primarily found in academic, scientific, and news contexts, it maintains a formal and neutral tone. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility, making it a valuable tool for intellectual inquiry. By understanding its function and usage, writers can effectively employ "thought experiment" to engage readers and promote deeper understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hypothetical scenario

Replaces the formal term with a more common and accessible expression.

mental exercise

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of the concept, omitting the experimental nature.

conceptual exploration

Emphasizes the investigation of an idea rather than a structured experiment.

what-if scenario

Highlights the speculative nature of the exercise.

imaginary situation

Simplifies the idea to a basic hypothetical context.

theoretical construct

Emphasizes the theoretical nature, suitable for academic discussions.

intellectual probe

Suggests a deeper, more rigorous examination of a concept.

reasoning probe

Highlights the active reasoning process to imagine possible outcomes.

envisioned test

Focuses on the planning aspect of the thought process.

speculative analysis

Highlights the analytical nature using speculation as a tool.

FAQs

How do I use "thought experiment" in a sentence?

Use "thought experiment" to introduce a hypothetical scenario designed to explore the consequences of a particular idea or situation. For example, "Let's conduct a "thought experiment" to understand the implications of this policy change."

What is another way to say "thought experiment"?

You can use alternatives like "hypothetical scenario", "mental exercise", or "conceptual exploration" depending on the context.

What are some famous examples of "thought experiments"?

Famous examples include Schrödinger's cat, the trolley problem, and the Twin Earth experiment. These "thought experiments" are used to explore complex concepts in physics, ethics, and philosophy.

What is the purpose of a "thought experiment"?

The purpose of a "thought experiment" is to explore the potential consequences of a theoretical idea, challenge existing assumptions, and stimulate critical thinking. It's a tool for investigating possibilities without the need for physical experimentation.