Thought experiments and physics education

Abstract

For pt.I see ibid., vol.20, p.124 (1985). In part I thought experiments (TES) were referred to as experiments which, although easy to conceive of are either very difficult, very expensive or even impossible to carry out. Their rule in physics was reviewed during an exposition of highly regarded examples drawn from special relativity and quantum mechanics. During this Kuhn's two necessary attributes (Kuhn 1977) of a TE were evaluated: the first, that its conduct should involve the use of concepts within previously experienced or imagined situations, was largely supported, although the possibility of inadequate application of the concepts was identified; the second, that the cognitive conflict which the TE provokes must have been anticipated in some way by the physicist, was not substantiated. As one major function of physics education is the development of future physicists, it is to be expected that TES have a substantial role in physics education. The authors explore some aspects of that role, drawing on examples from secondary school and tertiary educational practice.