Thoughts, Thinking

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Occam's Razor

Occam's razor is a problem-solving principle that advises that when faced with competing explanations, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. It's a guideline, not a strict rule, suggesting that simpler explanations are more likely to be correct, according to the New Scientist and Britannica.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Core Idea: When several explanations exist for a phenomenon, the simplest one (with the fewest assumptions) is usually / should be preferred.
  • Entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity: This is the classical way to state the principle, according to Principia Cybernetica and Merriam-Webster.
  • Not a Guarantee: It's a heuristic, a rule of thumb, not a definitive proof. It guides us towards the most likely explanation, but doesn't guarantee its correctness.
  • Example: If you hear hoofbeats, the simplest explanation is usually a horse, not a zebra, unless you're in an environment where zebras are common.
  • Application: Occam's razor is used in various fields, including science, medicine, and even computer science.
  • Simplicity: What constitutes simplicity can be subjective and depend on context.
  • The simplest solution is usually the best: This is a common way to summarize the principle.

(Google's AI Overview)