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Definition
Proper noun * William of Ockham: An English Franciscan friar, scholastic philosopher, and theologian of the 14th century. He is most famous for the methodological principle known as "Occam's Razor." He is also noted for his significant contributions to medieval logic, epistemology, and political theory.
Usage
- The name "Occam" is used primarily in historical, philosophical, and academic contexts to refer to the philosopher and his ideas.
- It is almost always used in the phrase "Occam's Razor" or when discussing his philosophical works.
Examples
- In historical context:
- The philosophical works of Occam were influential in the late medieval period.
- Scholars study Occam for his contributions to nominalism.
- Referencing his principle:
- The scientist applied Occam's Razor to choose the simplest hypothesis.
- According to Occam, entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily.
Advanced Usage
- Occam's Razor (also called the principle of parsimony): A problem-solving principle stating that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. This is the primary context in which "Occam" is used in modern English.
- When the data fits both theories, a good researcher will default to Occam's Razor.
Variants and Related Words
- Ockham: An alternative spelling of the philosopher's name, often used interchangeably with "Occam." The village he was from is now called Ockham.
- Occamist (adj/n): Pertaining to Occam or his philosophy; a follower of Occam's philosophy.
- His Occamist views set him apart from other medieval thinkers.
Synonyms
- William of Ockham: The full and most precise referent for the name "Occam."
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Nominalism: The philosophical position, championed by Occam, that universals or general ideas are merely names without corresponding reality, and only particular objects exist.
- Scholasticism: The system of theological and philosophical teaching predominant in medieval Europe, to which Occam contributed and later critiqued.
Noun
-
English scholastic philosopher and assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285-1349)
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