Philosophy

Philosophy

The Thought Experiment Method in Daniel Dennett

Document Type : Scientific-research

Author
Alireza Hassanpoor
Associated Professor, Department of Islamic Theology and Philosophy, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.
10.22059/jop.2026.398787.1006920
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 to 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.
Keywords
Intuition Pump
Thought Experiment
Qualia
Zombie
Consciousness
Daniel Dennett
Subjects
 
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Philosophy
Volume 24, Issue 1 - Serial Number 46
September 2026
Pages 73-96

  • Receive Date 17 July 2025
  • Revise Date 10 February 2026
  • Accept Date 17 May 2026