Experimental philosophy

Experimental Philosophy ( X - Phi often abbreviated ) is a young philosophical trend, in which methods of empirical social sciences, and especially experimental psychology are used, are usually assessed to find out problem cases as commonly given. Using the methods of cognition research these philosophers conduct experiments to human thought through and analyze these in the context of philosophical important issues.

Experimental philosophers argue that we may be empirical results of philosophical problems of benefit by helping us behind so-called " philosophical intuitions " to understand the psychological processes. This philosophical use of empirical results is controversial; many philosophers see him as opposed to that kind of philosophy, which uses only a priori arguments, ie the so-called " Fauteuilphilosophie ". The term refers to an understanding of philosophy as an activity that is completely based on intelligence that can be obtained by reflection in a comfortable armchair. Disagreement exists so as to which are the best methods of philosophizing, the experimental philosophy pushes both enthusiastic support and vehement criticism.

The subjects of the experimental philosophy circled at the beginning mainly about cultural differences of philosophical intuitions to our intuitions on free will, and certain questions of philosophy of action. In the meantime, experimental philosophers have, however, their research extended to the most traditional philosophical- relevant terms, such as Causality, happiness and knowledge.