5

I am a mathematics scholar who once took a course on "Philosophy of rationality" and absolutely loved it. In there, we discussed a couple of thought experiments including 'The Trolley Problem'. I am looking to get back into philosophy but want to start via Thought Experiments as they motivate me to read more about different philosophies. Is there a text out there which introduces philosophy via thought experiment rather than throwing big terms at you right from the beginning. Or something that introduces different philosophers /philosophies via situational examples rather than technical terms.

Thanks!

|improve this question
5

Mauro Allegranza's recommendation is spot on. I would add Daniel C. Dennett's Intuition Pumps (2013) - 'intuition' refers to nothing spooky. He just means that thought experiments can generate good ideas as well as show up faults in bad ones.

As a mathematician you might enjoy Edwin Abbott's Flatland, which employs the thought experiment of a two-dimensional world.

Historically, Descartes' Meditation 1 (only about four pages) is one of the most celebrated thought experiments in the history of philosophy.

Present-day a favourite thought experiment with philosophers is Hilary Putnam's 'Brains in a vat' : https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/Brains%20in%20a%20Vat%20-%20Hilary%20Putnam.pdf

Just as influential is Thomas Nagel's 'What is it like to be a bat ?' I don't think there's an online version of this but there's a good account on You Tube :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTDvoXLX_VE

A hand of welcome from philosophy to mathematics !

|improve this answer
  • I am currently reading Baginni's The pig that wants to be eaten and Sophie's World. It is a good book. Then I will read the ones suggested by you. thank you – Bhaskar Vashishth May 25 '18 at 20:11

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.