Thought Experiment in Ethics

A thought experiment in ethics is a mental exercise used to explore moral questions by imagining hypothetical scenarios. It helps us examine how we might respond or what principles we should follow in complex situations. For example, imagining a situation where sacrificing one person could save many others allows us to consider the moral trade-offs involved. These exercises clarify our values and reasoning without needing real-world testing, enabling thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding of ethical principles and dilemmas.