Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Department of Islamic Theology and Philosophy, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Teachings, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
Abstract
Intuition pumps are intellectual tools with multiple capabilities that can be used to better understand complex philosophical problems and to reveal, question, and correct our common notions and assumptions. In addition, this intellectual tool plays a fundamental role in bridging the gap between abstract philosophical reflections and empirical scientific research. According this method, by presenting scenarios, they engage the audience's imagination and provoke critical thinking and a deep reconsideration of their beliefs on various issues, thereby encouraging deeper exploration of these issues. However, with all the strengths that intuition pumps have, we must be careful in using them; in other words, they should not be considered equivalent to formal logical arguments and rigorous empirical research, but rather as supplementary tools to the standard scientific and philosophical methods. For this reason, Dennett always emphasizes understanding their potential to mislead, using them cautiously, and using criteria to evaluate their results. For Dennett, “turning the knobs,” compatibility with empirical evidence, and avoiding oversimplification are among the criteria for evaluating intuition pumps. Ultimately, by recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of intuition pumps, we can broaden the scope of philosophical methodology and use more possibilities for complex philosophical research and reflection, contribute to bridging the gap between philosophy and empirical science and to greater interaction between the two, and, most importantly, prevent dogmatism and narrow-mindedness by opening the way for constant revision and rethinking. In this research, information is collected by using library resources and the content is presented through a descriptive-analytical approach.
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