Here are two thought experiments that we've recently used in schools that haven't failed to get students talking.
For all students: Mossop Then Mabel
A stray cat has recently started to visit you each day. Over time, you develop a bit of a bond - you regularly provide dinner, and the cat provides you with lots of affection. You give her a name - "Mossop" and she seems to respond when you call her name. As the nights draw in, Mossop can usually be found curled up on your sofa. She develops a minor ailment which means you need to take her to the vet, who gives you tablets for Mossop. You give her tablets for the next two weeks and she makes a full recovery.
After a few months, you notice Mossop is going missing for a few days at a time. She's no longer staying overnight with you. She passes through your garden every few days, and happily accepts treats, but soon moves on her way.
It has now been three months since you last saw Mossop.
One day you bump into a neighbour, Charlie, from across the street, who tells you that around 3 months ago, they got a new cat, which they've called Mabel. They gave Mabel some posh cat-food, leftover from catsitting for somebody else, and ever since Mabel had a taste, they've never left. Charlie tells you how they've continued to buy the very best cat food for Mabel, and pampering it with the very best bedding. Mabel, of course, is Mossop!
Has Charlie stolen your cat?
Students may ask clarification questions on the scenario. If this happens, you can either embellish the story (just remember what you've specified!) or you can ask "Would it matter? Why?"
For older students: The Plank of Carneades
This thought experiment is known as “The Plank of Carneades,” named for a Greek philosopher who lived over 2200 years ago.
There are two shipwrecked sailors, Alexander and Zac. They both see a plank that can only support one of them, and both swim towards it.
Alexander gets to the plank first.
Zac, who is going to drown, pushes Alexander off and away from the plank. Alexander drowns.
Zac holds on to the plank and is later saved by a passing ship. Did Zac murder Alexander?
In answering this question, one of our online philosophers at p4he.org said, “It’s like murder, but it’s also like self-defense but without anyone having attacked you.” That tangled thought is a good illustration of what a thought experiment should do - present two plausible ideas that leave your thinking pulled in. two different directions.
Try this variation and see if it changes their thinking - a finely balanced thought experiment will often be sensitive to small changes in the scenario.
Bertha and Yasmin are shipwrecked sailors.
Bertha finds a plank of wood that can only support her weight.
Yasmin tries to grab it too. Bertha fights her off, and Yasmin drowns.
Did Bertha murder Yasmin?
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Feedback from recent training. Can you spot the buzzword?
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