thought experiment

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a method used in science and philosophy to test out an idea in the 'laboratory of the mind', by thinking through the consequences of a given scenario – thought experimentation involves mental simulation (and usually visualisation)

[Please be aware that a word may have different nuances, or even a different meaning, according to context.]« Back to Index

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.