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

So now imagine you could do that same thought experiment, but not just doing it at random, doing it at a large scale while having some metric of screening for those who actually had both the greatest competence as well as the greatest commitment and knowledge of the Constitution.

From Slate

In September, speaking on The Lex Fridman Podcast, Ramaswamy posited what he called a “glib” thought experiment:

From Slate

But believing what’s right in front of our eyes is not enough since U.S. politics as usual began flirting with fascism, making reality a subjective thought experiment from which we can pick and chose our preferred truths.

From Los Angeles Times

During the campaign, Vance explained that his remarks on voting amounted to “a thought experiment” and not a serious policy proposal.

From Los Angeles Times

His op-ed was, depending on whom you asked, a frustrating or entertaining thought experiment, but it should never have been seen as real advice for the real world.

From Los Angeles Times