Being equal Quote by William of Ockham
“Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Summa Logicae, 1325
When two explanations are equally plausible, the one with fewer assumptions is preferable.
In simple terms: Simpler explanations are better.
Key Takeaway
Prefer simplicity in reasoning.
Themes
science
logic
parsimony
decision making
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research design
- diagnostic reasoning
- policy analysis
- software engineering
Key Concepts
Occam's razor
theory selection
problem solving
Questions to Reflect On
- When might a complex explanation be necessary?
- How do you balance simplicity with completeness?
A Different Perspective
Complex models may capture nuance missed by simplicity.
![“Do not Bodies act upon Light at a distance, and by their action bend its Rays; and is not this action (caeteris paribus) [all else being equal] strongest at the least distance?” quote by Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f9c/isaac-newton-1226_action_do-not-bodies-act-upon-light-at-a-distan_90238.jpg)
![“[T]here is a methodological bias in favor of taking natural discourse literally, other things being equal. For example, unless there are clear reasons for construing discourse as ambiguous, elliptical, or involving special idioms, we should not so construe it.” quote by Tyler Burge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2be/tyler-burge-109585_ambiguous_t-here-is-a-methodological-bias-in-favor_377917.jpg)