occam's razor
Among competing hypotheses, prefer the simplest one. Entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. The explanation requiring fewer assumptions is usually better.
key principles
- 01
Simplicity as prior
All else being equal, simpler explanations are more likely true. Complexity requires justification.
- 02
Fewer assumptions, fewer failure points
Each assumption is a place the theory could be wrong. Fewer assumptions means fewer ways to fail.
- 03
Not always correct
Sometimes reality is complex. The razor is a heuristic, not a law. It guides inquiry, not guarantees truth.
- 04
Parsimony in practice
When debugging, check the simple things first. When explaining, use the fewest concepts necessary.
applications
The Principle of Parsimony
William of Ockham, a 14th-century philosopher, articulated the principle: entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. In modern terms: don’t make things more complicated than they need to be.
This isn’t about truth—sometimes reality is complex. It’s about methodology. Simple explanations should be tried before complex ones, not because they’re certain, but because they’re more testable and more often correct.
Key Quote
“Plurality must never be posited without necessity.” — William of Ockham