The principle is attributed to William of Ockham, a 14th-century English philosopher and theologian. It is frequently cited as, "Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitate", which translates as "Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity", although Occam never used these exact words.
Occam's razor can be applied to many different areas of life, including science, philosophy, and everyday decision-making. In general, the principle suggests that we should prefer explanations that are simple and straightforward rather than explanations that are complex and convoluted.
There are a few reasons why Occam's razor is often considered a sound principle. First, complex explanations are often more likely to be wrong than simple explanations. This is because elaborate explanations require more assumptions, and the more assumptions we make, the more likely it is that one of those assumptions will be wrong.
Second, simple explanations are often more likely to be true because they are more likely to be consistent with our other knowledge. On the other hand, complex reasons often require us to abandon or modify our beliefs.
Of course, Occam's razor is not always a foolproof guide to truth. There are cases where the simplest explanation is not the correct one. However, the principle is still valuable for evaluating explanations and making decisions.
Here are some examples of how Occam's razor can be applied:
- In science: When scientists try to explain a natural phenomenon, they often prefer simple and elegant explanations rather than complex and convoluted ones. For example, when scientists were trying to explain the motion of planets, they eventually rejected the complex Ptolemaic model in favour of the simpler Copernican model.
- Philosophers often use Occam's razor to evaluate arguments and theories in philosophy. For example, if two hypotheses make the exact predictions, but one theory is more superficial, then the more straightforward theory is usually considered the better.
- In everyday life: We can also use Occam's razor in our daily lives when making decisions. For example, if we are trying to figure out why our car won't start, we should first consider the simplest explanation, such as a dead battery. We should only consider more complex explanations, such as a problem with the engine if the more straightforward explanation is not supported by the evidence.
Overall, Occam's razor is a useful principle that can help us to make better decisions and to understand the world around us.
There are many Cognitive Biases, many more than most people realise. If you want to think your way out of a mind trap, you must first realise that you're already trapped.
If you want to enhance your professional skill set or help an employee on the road to success, enrol on our 5-Day Discovery Public Speaking Course. The course helps you to polish your skills so you can present comfortably to the board and other industry professionals. Book a place on this 5-day course for just £1750 + VAT. It's a life-changing event.
