Occam’s Razor is usually stated as “Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.” Ockham stated “Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate” (Plurality should not be posited without necessity). Occam’s Razor is also known as the Principle of Parsimony, the Principle of Simplicity, the Principle of Economy.
Some other variations on Occam’s Razor:
– “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo da Vinci
– “We are to admit no more causes of natural things than such as are both true and sufficient to explain their appearances” – Isaac Newton
– The simpler the explanation, the better.
– Don’t multiply hypotheses unnecessarily.
– Do not assume more variables than neccessary.
– It is vain to do with more that which can be done with less.
– KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)
Facts on William of Ockham:
– Medieval English philosopher and Franciscan monk
– Venerabilis Inceptor “Venerable Enterpriser”
– Doctor Invincibilis “Invincible Doctor”
– born in Ockham, England around 1285
– died in Munich, Bavaria (now Germany) on April 10, 1349
– a member of the order of St. Francis
– studied theology at Oxford
– asserted that one could not know God through reason and rationality
– charged with heresy in 1324
Links:
Occam’s Razor – Wikipedia
William of Ockham Links – Google
William of Ockham – IEP
William of Ockham – NewAdvent
William of Ockham – University of St Andrews
William of Ockham – Wikipedia
Occam’s Razor – Skepdic
William of Occam – Infoplease
Occam Links – EpistemeLinks
William of Ockham – Who2
William of Ockham – Wikiquote
William of Ockham – Britannica
William of Ockham – TDO