Thought experiments
Classic and modern thought experiments that test moral intuition, identity, knowledge, and reality.
ethics
The Trolley Problem
Would you pull a lever to save five people if it kills one?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
identity
The Ship of Theseus
If every part is replaced, is it still the same ship?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
reality
Brain in a Vat
Could all experience be a controlled simulation?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
reality
Schrodinger's Cat
What happens when observation, probability, and reality collide?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
mind
The Chinese Room
Can symbol manipulation become understanding?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
life
The Experience Machine
Would perfect pleasure be enough for a good life?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
justice
The Original Position
What rules would you choose behind a veil of ignorance?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
mind
Mary's Room
Can complete physical knowledge miss what experience feels like?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
ethics
The Prisoner's Dilemma
Why can rational self-interest create worse outcomes for everyone?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
language
Twin Earth
Does meaning live in the head or in the world?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
identity
Teletransportation
If a scanner copies you perfectly, did you survive?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
ethics
The Utility Monster
Should one being's extreme pleasure outweigh everyone else's?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
logic
Hilbert's Hotel
Can infinity make room even when every room is full?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
probability
Sleeping Beauty Problem
How should belief update when memory is part of the puzzle?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
choice
Newcomb's Problem
Can prediction change what a rational choice is?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
identity
Swampman
Would a perfect duplicate have your meaning and memories?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
ethics
The Plank of Carneades
Can self-preservation justify taking another person's only chance?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
reality
The Veil of Maya
What if ordinary appearances hide a deeper structure of reality?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
ethics
The Ring of Gyges
Would invisibility reveal your true moral character?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?
choice
Buridan's Ass
Can perfect balance of reasons prevent action?
What intuition does this experiment test?
Which assumption makes the case feel difficult?