William of Ockham
1
9.9
- proper noun
- /ˈwɪljəm əv ˈɒkəm/
- UK
- William of Ockham is best known for formulating the principle commonly called Occam's Razor.
Examples
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The influence of William of Ockham can still be seen in modern discussions of logic and science.
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Many scholars regard William of Ockham as a key figure in medieval philosophy.
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William of Ockham is best known for formulating the principle commonly called Occam's Razor.
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Many students study the writings of William of Ockham in philosophy courses.
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The philosophy of William of Ockham greatly influenced modern thought.
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Many scholars regard William of Ockham as a key figure in medieval philosophy.
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The influence of William of Ockham can still be seen in modern discussions of logic and science.
Synonyms
8
9.9
A thinker from England in the 1300s who says simple explanations are best
1
9.9
An English philosopher known for the idea that simpler explanations are better
1
9.9
An English philosopher from the Middle Ages known for saying that simpler explanations are better
Surface Forms
Morphology
William + of + Ockham
This is a proper name referring to a historical individual; the biographical meaning (that he was a 13th–14th century English philosopher associated with Occam's Razor) cannot be compositionally derived from the parts 'William', 'of', and 'Ockham'. Proper names are referential and arbitrary across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the words would not infer the person’s identity or philosophical significance without prior exposure.
Etymology
William of Ockham was a thinker from the small English village of Ockham long ago, known for the idea called 'Occam's Razor'. He used the image of a razor cutting away extra bits to say we should prefer simpler answers, so his name now reminds people to 'choose the simplest explanation'.