Occam
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- proper noun
- /ˈɑːkəm/
- According to Occam's Razor, the simplest explanation is often the best one.
- Occam's razor
- William of Occam
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Watch on YouTubeNamed after the mediaeval logician William of Occam, Occam's Razor is a general rule by which we select among competing explanations.
- Named after the mediaeval logician William of Occam, Occam's Razor is a general rule by which we select among competing explanations.
Examples
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Many scientists cite Occam when discussing the importance of simplicity in theoretical models.
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Yes, because Occam's Razor is a thing for a reason.
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Come on, what is this, Occam's Razor?
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Besides, Occam's Razor is a key scientific principle.
Academic text (2011) -
Occam's razor is a fine tool, but it should be applied to principles, not equations.
Academic text (2005) -
No, Occam's Razor is a basic scientific principle which says: Things being equal, the simplest explanation tends to be right.
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Named after the mediaeval logician William of Occam, Occam's Razor is a general rule by which we select among competing explanations.
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In addition, Occam's razor, the longstanding scientific principle of parsimony, argues for keeping explanations as simple as possible.
Academic text (1990) -
The philosopher Occam, known for his principle of simplicity, greatly influenced modern scientific thought.
Synonyms
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An English philosopher known for the idea that simpler explanations are better
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A medieval English philosopher and religious thinker known for saying simple explanations are better
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An English philosopher from the Middle Ages known for saying that simpler explanations are better
Surface Forms
Etymology
Occam is the name of a man from the small English village Ockham, so the name originally showed where he came from. He became famous for saying we should choose the 'simplest explanation', so his name now reminds us of that idea, often called Ockham's Razor.