---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Of two equivalent theories or…"
description: "\"Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.\" — William of Ockham"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/70e/william-of-ockham-23662_being-equal_of-two-equivalent-theories-or-explanatio_933926.jpg"
---

#  Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other…

![“Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.” quote by William of Ockham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/70e/william-of-ockham-23662_being-equal_of-two-equivalent-theories-or-explanatio_933926.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/70e/william-of-ockham-23662_being-equal_of-two-equivalent-theories-or-explanatio_933926.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/70e/william-of-ockham-23662_being-equal_of-two-equivalent-theories-or-explanatio_933926.jpg)

> “Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.”

[William of Ockham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-of-ockham/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

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.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Decision](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/decision/) [Occam-s-razor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/occam-s-razor/)

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## More by William of Ockham

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Browse all 76 Being equal quotes

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