Being equal Quote by William of Ockham
“Simpler explanations are, other things being equal, generally better than more complex ones.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Ockham's Razor, attributed to William of Ockham, 14th century
When faced with multiple explanations, the one that assumes the fewest entities is usually preferable.
In simple terms: Simpler explanations are generally better.
Key Takeaway
Prefer simplicity when explanations are equal.
Themes
simplicity
logic
parsimony
critical thinking
science
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- diagnostic reasoning
- software debugging
- policy analysis
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Occam's razor
theory selection
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions are you adding unnecessarily?
- When might complexity be essential?
A Different Perspective
Complex phenomena may require nuanced, multi-faceted explanations.
![“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)