thought experiment

简明释义

思考实验

英英释义

A thought experiment is a hypothetical scenario used to explore the consequences of a principle or theory, often without the need for physical experimentation.

思想实验是一个假设的情境,用于探讨某一原则或理论的后果,通常不需要进行实际实验。

例句

1.In philosophy class, we discussed the famous thought experiment 思想实验 known as Schrödinger's cat.

在哲学课上,我们讨论了著名的思想实验 thought experiment,即薛定谔的猫。

2.The trolley problem is a popular thought experiment 思想实验 in ethics.

电车难题是伦理学中一个流行的思想实验 thought experiment

3.The concept of a multiverse can be better understood through a thought experiment 思想实验.

通过一个思想实验 thought experiment,可以更好地理解多元宇宙的概念。

4.Scientists often use thought experiments 思想实验 to explore complex theories without physical testing.

科学家们经常使用思想实验 thought experiments来探索复杂理论,而不进行物理测试。

5.Einstein used a thought experiment 思想实验 to illustrate his theory of relativity.

爱因斯坦使用了一个思想实验 thought experiment来说明他的相对论理论。

作文

A thought experiment is a powerful tool used by philosophers, scientists, and theorists to explore complex ideas and concepts without the need for physical experimentation. The essence of a thought experiment lies in its ability to allow individuals to engage in hypothetical scenarios that challenge their understanding of reality and provoke deep thinking. One of the most famous examples of a thought experiment is Schrödinger's cat, proposed by physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935. This scenario illustrates the peculiar nature of quantum mechanics by placing a cat in a sealed box with a radioactive atom, a Geiger counter, and a vial of poison. Until the box is opened, the cat is considered both alive and dead, highlighting the concept of superposition in quantum theory.The significance of a thought experiment extends beyond mere curiosity; it serves as a mental exercise that can lead to profound insights and breakthroughs in various fields. For instance, in ethics, the Trolley Problem is a classic thought experiment that poses a moral dilemma: if you could pull a lever to divert a runaway trolley onto a track where it would kill one person instead of five, what should you do? This scenario forces individuals to confront their moral intuitions and the implications of utilitarianism versus deontological ethics, fostering a deeper understanding of human values and decision-making processes.In the realm of philosophy, thought experiments have been instrumental in shaping theories about consciousness, identity, and existence. Renowned philosopher René Descartes famously employed a thought experiment in his quest for certainty, proposing the idea of an evil demon that could deceive him about the existence of the external world. This radical skepticism led him to conclude that while he could doubt everything else, the very act of doubting confirmed his existence: "Cogito, ergo sum" or "I think, therefore I am." This thought experiment laid the groundwork for modern philosophy and discussions about the nature of reality.Moreover, thought experiments are not limited to theoretical discussions; they can also inform practical applications. In legal studies, for example, the concept of the 'reasonable person' is often examined through thought experiments that assess how an average individual would react in specific situations. This approach helps establish standards for negligence and liability in court cases, demonstrating the real-world impact of these mental exercises.In conclusion, a thought experiment is more than just an intellectual curiosity; it is a vital method for exploring and understanding complex issues across various disciplines. By engaging in these hypothetical scenarios, we can expand our minds, challenge our assumptions, and ultimately gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of reality. Whether in science, ethics, or philosophy, thought experiments continue to be a significant catalyst for innovation and insight, proving that sometimes the most profound discoveries come not from physical experiments, but from the power of thought itself.

“思想实验”是一种强大的工具,哲学家、科学家和理论家用它来探索复杂的思想和概念,而不需要进行物理实验。“思想实验”的本质在于它能够让个人参与假设情境,挑战他们对现实的理解,并激发深思。最著名的一个例子是薛定谔的猫,这是物理学家厄尔温·薛定谔在1935年提出的。这个情境通过将一只猫放在一个密封的盒子里,盒子里有一个放射性原子、一个盖革计数器和一瓶毒药,来说明量子力学的奇特性质。在盒子被打开之前,这只猫被认为既活着又死去,突显了量子理论中的叠加态概念。“思想实验”的重要性不仅仅在于好奇心;它作为一种心理练习,可以引导深刻的见解和各个领域的突破。例如,在伦理学中,电车难题是一个经典的“思想实验”,它提出了一个道德困境:如果你可以拉动杠杆,将失控的电车转向一条轨道,杀死一个人而不是五个,你应该怎么做?这个情境迫使个人面对他们的道德直觉以及功利主义与义务论伦理的影响,从而加深对人类价值观和决策过程的理解。在哲学领域,“思想实验”在塑造意识、身份和存在的理论方面发挥了重要作用。著名哲学家勒内·笛卡尔在寻求确定性时,运用了一个“思想实验”,提出了一个邪恶的魔鬼可能会欺骗他关于外部世界存在的想法。这种激进的怀疑主义使他得出结论:虽然他可以怀疑其他一切,但怀疑的行为本身确认了他的存在:“我思故我在”。这个“思想实验”为现代哲学和关于现实本质的讨论奠定了基础。此外,“思想实验”并不限于理论讨论;它们也可以为实际应用提供启示。在法律研究中,例如,“合理的人”这一概念常常通过“思想实验”来审查,以评估普通人在特定情况下的反应。这种方法有助于在法庭案件中建立过失和责任的标准,证明这些心理练习对现实世界的影响。总之,“思想实验”不仅仅是一种智力好奇心;它是探索和理解各个学科复杂问题的重要方法。通过参与这些假设情境,我们可以扩展我们的思维,挑战我们的假设,并最终更深刻地欣赏现实的复杂性。无论是在科学、伦理还是哲学中,“思想实验”继续成为创新和洞察的重要催化剂,证明有时最深刻的发现并非来自物理实验,而是来自思想本身的力量。

相关单词

thought

thought详解:怎么读、什么意思、用法

experiment

experiment详解:怎么读、什么意思、用法