What is Occam’s Razor?

“pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate”

–William of Occam (1285–1347/49)

A principle in philosophy, mathematics, and science that assumptions introduced to explain something must not be multiplied beyond necessity, and, therefore, that the simplest of several hypotheses is, usually, the best explanation of the facts.

There are two essential elements to Occam’s razor, from the Latin:

• The Principle of Plurality – Plurality should not be used as a fact or put forward as a basis of the argument without the necessity
• The Principle of Parsimony – It is pointless to do with more, what can be done with less

Origin of the concept of Occam’s razor

Occam’s Razor, also known as Ockham’s Razor, is a principle from philosophy and logic that suggests that when presented with competing hypotheses about the same prediction, one should select the solution with the fewest assumptions. This principle is attributed to the English Franciscan friar and philosopher William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347).

William of Ockham didn’t create this principle explicitly; rather, his frequent use of this method in his works led to it being associated with him. The principle itself can be traced back to earlier philosophers such as Aristotle, who wrote that “Nature operates in the shortest way possible.” However, it was through Ockham’s consistent application in his philosophical and theological arguments that the principle became widely recognized and attributed to him.

The essence of Occam’s Razor is often summarized by the Latin phrase “entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem”, which translates to “entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity.” This phrase, although not directly penned by Ockham, captures the spirit of his approach: when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.

Occam’s Razor has become a fundamental heuristic in scientific modeling and hypothesis testing, widely used to guide researchers in developing theoretical models with the least amount of assumptions and variables necessary to explain a phenomenon or to make predictions.

Tips for applying the concepts of Occam’s Razor

Applying Occam’s Razor effectively in various contexts, especially in problem-solving, research, and decision-making, can be quite beneficial. Here are some tips for using this principle:

1. Understand the Core Concept — Remember that Occam’s Razor is about finding the explanation with the fewest assumptions. It doesn’t mean that the simplest explanation is always correct, but that unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
2. Gather Comprehensive Information — Before applying Occam’s Razor, ensure you have gathered all relevant data and information. The principle works best when you have a full understanding of the situation.
3. Identify Core Assumptions — List out the assumptions underlying each potential explanation or solution. This helps in evaluating which explanations are making more assumptions than necessary.
4. Evaluate Competing Hypotheses — When faced with multiple explanations or solutions, compare them based on the number and plausibility of their assumptions. The one with fewer, more plausible assumptions is generally preferred.
5. Avoid Oversimplification — While Occam’s Razor values simplicity, it’s important not to oversimplify complex issues. Ensure that the chosen explanation still adequately covers all aspects of the problem.
6. Consider Practicality and Evidence — The most straightforward solution should still be practical and supported by evidence. Don’t discard complexity if it’s supported by strong evidence and is necessary to explain the phenomenon.
7. Be Flexible and Open-Minded — Sometimes, what seems to be the simplest explanation initially may not be. Be prepared to adjust your understanding as new information becomes available.
8. Use it as a Guide, Not a Rule — Occam’s Razor is a heuristic, a guiding principle, not an irrefutable law. It’s a useful starting point but should not be the sole criterion for decision-making.
9. Cross-Check with Other Methods — Combine Occam’s Razor with other logical and analytical methods. This cross-checking can provide a more robust understanding and avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on simplicity.
10. Application in Various Fields — Remember that Occam’s Razor can be applied in various fields like science, philosophy, medicine, and even in everyday decision-making. Its utility in encouraging simplicity can be broadly applied.