Ockhams Razor

[5/9 Turtle]

Does anyone know what it is?

[Imink]

No would you mind explaining?

[#noided]

You mean Occam's Razor?

It's a gr8 song by Porcupine Tree

[Steerpike]

It's the suggestion that if there is more than one theory to explain a phenomenon, the simplest one is probably right.

[5/9 Turtle]

Here's an example: Say a tree falls during a storm; one theory may suggest the wind blew it over, another theory may suggest that the thunderstorm cussed an alien spaceship to crash into the tree knocking it over. The first theory according to Ockhams razor is the correct due to its simplicity. So it's the simplest reason/theory is the easiest or most likely.

[Steerpike]

The most common example I've heard is when astronomers waaaaay back in the day didn't know why the planets exhibited retrograde motion at times. Some theory they came up with was a bizzare system of sub-orbits within their normal route. After heliocentrism became a thing, a much simpler explanation was realized that just has to do with the perspective from Earth during certain points of our orbit.

The razor is basically why everyone agrees that sub-orbits are a dumb idea

[Dudecore]

Occam's Razor, also known as the "Law of Parsimony" is the principle in philosophy and science that the simplest of several hypotheses is usually the best in accounting for unexplained facts, because it makes the fewest assumptions.

Making the fewest assumptions is important, because it is necessary to demonstrate, replicate and test any hypothesis. The one that postulates a 5,000 year old, invisible, omnipotent, imperial dictator as the creator of the universe isn't all that useful scientifically. Which is why occam's razer is often needed.

[Kareason]

Always a big fan of  this. The easiest summation I have heard of it is "If hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras".

[5/9 Turtle]

Always a big fan of  this. The easiest summation I have heard of it is "If hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras".

The one I heard is " Keep it simple stupid"

[gtfotis]

Always a big fan of  this. The easiest summation I have heard of it is "If hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras".

The one I heard is " Keep it simple stupid"

That's what we say in the Marines, "KISS, Keep it simple, stupid."

[Kareason]

Always a big fan of  this. The easiest summation I have heard of it is "If hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras".

The one I heard is " Keep it simple stupid"

That works very well too.   Bare bones and to the point.

[rarehuntertay]

Always a big fan of  this. The easiest summation I have heard of it is "If hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras".

The one I heard is " Keep it simple stupid"

That works very well too.   Bare bones and to the point.

I always assumed the last S stood for something else....