A thought experiment is a hypothetical situation in which a hypothesis, theory, or principle is laid out for the purpose of thinking through its consequences. The concept is also referred to as a Gedankenexperiment within the work of Ernst Mach and includes thoughts about what may have occurred if a different course of action were taken as opposed to what did in fact occur. The importance of this ability is that it allows us to imagine what may occur in the future, as well as the implication of alternate courses of action.