ABSTRACT
One methodological element that has attracted considerable attention in the philosophical literature is Galileo's alleged use of thought experiments. This chapter addresses the intriguing state of affairs, tentatively replacing the questionable dichotomy with the categories of projective participation and integration of paradoxes. It discusses in more detail Galileo's engagements with the lifeworld that have been interpreted as his "most beautiful thought experiment", analyzing their history, and illustrating the complex dynamics of integration of paradoxes that underlies his coming to terms with falling bodies. The chapter focuses on the lessons that learn from Galileo's thought experiments, briefly indicating the intersections of historical and philosophical research that might be fruitfully pursued in the future. It discusses the problems raised by Galileo's weighing procedure. To reiterate, the moral is that Galileo's experiential engagements with inclined planes cannot be described by the conceptual dichotomy of real versus thought experiment.
