thought experiment

noun

1. Physics.,  a demonstration or calculation that is based on the postulates of a theory, as relativity, and that demonstrates or clarifies the consequences of the postulates.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thought experiment¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

But I think he might come around if he ran the thought experiment in Point 9.

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And so that which starts as a John Roberts thought experiment unfolds in cascading ways, in no small part because it’s been blessed by the Supreme Court.

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“It started just as a thought experiment to see if I could do it,” she says of the decision to write the “Good Daughter” script before the book was optioned for TV.

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If anyone could convincingly realize this thought experiment, it’s Noah Hawley.

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Although most who semi-seriously engaged with this thought experiment recognized it to be farce — Lord, we hope they did – others treated the fantasy wrestling match seriously.

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