What role do symbols play in hypothetical thought?

Symbols play a crucial role in hypothetical thought by facilitating creative and abstract thinking. When individuals use symbols—like words, images, or mathematical notations—they can represent ideas and concepts that are not immediately present or physically observable. This allows for the exploration of possibilities, the formulation of hypotheses, and the creation of complex ideas that transcend concrete realities.

For instance, when a person thinks about concepts such as freedom or justice, they are using symbols to represent these abstract ideas. This symbolic reasoning enables them to manipulate these concepts mentally, hypothesizing about scenarios or making connections between different ideas that are not directly linked in the physical world. Thus, symbols act as tools that expand the capacity for imaginative and theoretical inquiry, enhancing cognitive abilities beyond mere logical reasoning or concrete situations.