Occam's Razor

Occam's razor is a principle that guides theory construction and evaluation, suggesting that explanations positing fewer entities or kinds of entities are to be preferred over those that posit more. In simpler terms, the simplest explanation is often the best one. This principle holds that theories or solutions should not be unnecessarily complex and that simplicity should be favored when possible.

This principle is based on the idea that simpler theories are easier to verify and simpler solutions are easier to execute. By avoiding overly complex solutions, we can focus on what works best in a given situation. Occam's razor can be applied in a wide range of situations as a means of making quick decisions and establishing basic truths, even without empirical evidence.

Occam's razor is a powerful mental model for making initial conclusions, especially when the full scope of information is not yet available. By using Occam's razor to prioritize simplicity, we can more efficiently navigate complex problems and arrive at effective solutions.