ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author considers two sorts of fictional thought experiments with very different aims. In one case, the thought experiment functions as a subsidiary aid to help one better grasp the conclusion of some argument that is independent of the thought experiment. In the other case, the thought experiment is integral to the overall argument. The fictional thought experiments proceed from an initial supposition that is physically impossible in principle to carry out, although presumably an all-powerful agent, like God, could realize the scenario. Arguably, the best known fictional thought experiment coming from the medieval Islamic world is Avicenna's famous "flying man". Avicenna presents this thought experiment no fewer than five times throughout his oeuvre. The purpose of the thought experiment is to get one to think of one's self as perhaps distinct from one's body or sensible apprehensions.
