Occam’s razor is one of the most useful, (yet misunderstood,) models in your mental toolbox to solve problems more quickly and efficiently. 

Occam’s razor, also known as the law of parsimony, is a problem-solving principle and a valuable mental model for reasoning. A philosophical “razor” is a tool used to eliminate unlikely explanations in any given situation — and Occam’s is the most well-known example.

In essence, Occam’s razor states:

Among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected.

Put simply, the simplest explanation is usually the best. Simple theories are easier to test, and simple solutions are often easier to implement. This principle encourages us to avoid unnecessary complexity and focus on what effectively addresses the problem at hand.

Occam’s razor is widely applicable from quick decision-making to forming initial conclusions before all data is available. While it doesn’t replace empirical evidence, it helps us cut through confusion and reach practical starting points. Over time, it has become a key mental model within the broader “latticework of knowledge.”

In science, Occam’s razor serves not only as a philosophical guideline but also as a matter of practicality. Simpler hypotheses are often cheaper and easier to test, making them more likely to receive funding and validation.

Albert Einstein invoked the spirit of Occam’s razor when developing his theory of special relativity. He phrased it this way:

“It can scarcely be denied that the supreme goal of all theory is to make the irreducible basic elements as simple and as few as possible without having to surrender the adequate representation of a single datum of experience.”

Or more succinctly:

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”

Still, simplicity alone does not make a conclusion true. Every idea must ultimately be supported by evidence. When applying Occam’s razor, we must remain aware of cognitive traps such as confirmation bias favoring simplicity only because it feels right, rather than because it’s accurate.

Source: https://fs.blog/occams-razor/

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