WITTGENSTEIN S BEETLE AND OTHER CLASSIC THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS

Thought experiments have played a central and significant role across a broad spectrum of philosophy and science, clarifying and solving complicated puzzles, problems and ideas in the ''laboratory of the mind''. This book offers a unique capsule history, inviting readers to participate actively in a surprisingly powerful and fruitful tradition. Vivid examples from this fascinating history make up the heart of the book, including Newton''s Bucket, Lucretius'' Spear, Salvatius'' Ship, Plato''s Cave, and of course Wittgenstein''s Beetle. Each experiment is followed by a discussion offering possible inferences and consequences. In the final section, Cohen examines the method of thought experimentation suggesting key points for those wishing to harness its power for new explorations. "Wittgenstein''s Beetle and Other Classic Thought Experiments" invites readers to participate actively in discovering the surprisingly powerful and fruitful tradition of "thought experiments." Gives a lively presentation of an "A to Z" of 26 fascinating and influential thought experiments from philosophy and science Presents vivid and often humorous discussion of the experiments, including strengths and weaknesses, historical context, and contemporary uses Provides a "how to" section for engaging in thought experiments Includes illustrations, mini-biographies, and suggestions for further reading.