Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Thought experiments draw exclusively on concepts and intuitions derived from prior empirical experience.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Mathematical thought experiments generate novel truths not derivable from any prior empirical experience alone.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.We routinely imagine logically possible scenarios (like inverted qualia) that contradict our actual empirical observations.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.A priori conceptual analysis reveals constraints independent of how the world actually is empirically structured.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.All concepts we manipulate in thought experiments originate from sensory encounters or their combinations.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.We cannot coherently imagine scenarios violating the causal structures we've repeatedly observed empirically.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Even abstract thought experiments rely on intuitions shaped by embodied experience in physical environments.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.