Occam's Razor
What is it?
Occam's Razor is a philosophical principle that suggests the simplest explanation or hypothesis with the fewest assumptions is often the most likely one to be true. It is used as a heuristic for problem-solving and decision-making, favoring simplicity and parsimony.
How can it be useful to you? When faced with multiple explanations or solutions to a problem, especially when those options seem convoluted or rely on many assumptions.
The Missing Keys
You can't find your car keys where you usually leave them. Two explanations come to mind: a) someone in your family moved them, or b) a thief broke into your house, stole only the keys, and left everything else untouched. Occam's Razor suggests the first explanation is more plausible since it involves fewer assumptions.
The Mysterious Noise
You hear a loud bang outside. Two possible explanations are a) a car backfired, or b) a small meteor exploded in the atmosphere. Occam's Razor points towards the car backfiring as the more likely explanation because it's simpler and doesn't rely on rare astronomical events.
The Vanishing Celebrity
A famous celebrity suddenly disappears from public view. Two theories emerge: a) the celebrity is taking a break due to personal reasons, or b) the celebrity has been kidnapped as part of a global conspiracy. Occam's Razor would favor the first explanation, as it is simpler and doesn't require a complex plot.
Remember, Occam's Razor is a tool for si ...