Putting the experiment back into the thought experiment

Sartori, Lorenzo (2023) Putting the experiment back into the thought experiment. Synthese, 201 (2). ISSN 1573-0964

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Abstract

Philosophers have debated at length the epistemological status of scientific thought experiments. I contend that the literature on this topic still lacks a common conceptual framework, a lacuna that produces radical disagreement among the participants in this debate. To remedy this problem, I suggest focusing on the distinction between the internal and the external validity of an experiment, which is also crucial for thought experiments. I then develop an account of both kinds of validity in the context of thought experiments. I show that we can naturally conceptualise internal validity in terms of games of make-believe. Then, I argue that external validity is best defined as accurate representation of a target system. Finally, I turn back to the current debate on thought experiments and show that my diarchic account provides a general framework that can be shared by the competing philosophical views, as well as a fruitful guide for their reconciliation.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://link.springer.com/journal/11229/volumes-an...
Additional Information:	© 2023 The Author
Divisions:	Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BC Logic B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2022 16:18
Last Modified:	20 Sep 2025 02:19
URI:	http://eprintstest.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/117586

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