Occam’s Razor is a principle stated by William of Ockham that states “plurality should not be posited without necessity”
A problem-solving principle that states the simplest explanation is usually the best one.
Examples of Occam’s Razor
- Wind vs. meteorites
If two trees fall down during a windy night, the simplest explanation is that the wind blew them down. The explanation that meteorites knocked down the trees is less likely because it requires several unlikely assumptions.
- Computer programs
If two computer programs do the same job, the shorter one is probably better.
- Common cold vs. rare immune disorder
If a patient complains of a blocked nose, it’s more likely they have a common cold than a rare immune-system disorder
Reflection of the Philosophy
Life often has problems that we overcomplicate, but in reality the solution is in front of us we just can’t see due to emotions blinding our field of view
I think this philosophy is more relevant to problems we face everyday in life not in a research context where you’re trying to find solutions to unsolved problems. Even then I think by using Occam’s Razor the thought process can be simplified heavily and help you look in the right direction