principle of parsimony
Noun: - The principle that the simplest explanation or theory is preferable: This principle, also known as Occam's Razor, states that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. It advises against unnecessarily increasing the complexity of an explanation.
The principle of parsimony is a guideline used in reasoning, science, and philosophy to choose between explanations. - It is invoked to favor simplicity and avoid unnecessary complexity. - It is often applied when multiple theories can explain the same set of observations.
- In scientific modeling, researchers follow the principle of parsimony to avoid overcomplicating their theories with unverified variables.
- The detective applied the principle of parsimony, reasoning that the simplest explanation—a single culprit—was more likely than a complex conspiracy.
- When evaluating two competing hypotheses in biology, the principle of parsimony suggests choosing the one that requires the fewest evolutionary changes.
- "To invoke the principle of parsimony": To explicitly use this rule as a justification for choosing a simpler explanation.
- The philosopher invoked the principle of parsimony to argue against the proposed metaphysical entity.
- "As a matter of parsimony": Used to indicate that a decision is made based on this principle of simplicity.
- As a matter of parsimony, the software design eliminated redundant features.
- Occam's Razor (noun): The most common synonym for the principle of parsimony. It is named after the medieval philosopher William of Ockham.
- Parsimonious (adjective): Characterized by extreme unwillingness to spend resources or use assumptions. In science, a parsimonious theory is one that is elegantly simple.
- The most parsimonious model fit the data perfectly without extra parameters.
- Law of Parsimony (noun): An alternative term with the same meaning as the principle of parsimony.
- Occam's Razor: The principle that the simplest solution is usually the correct one.
- Law of Economy: A less common term emphasizing the "economy" of thought or explanation.
The principle of parsimony is a methodological rule, not a proof of truth. It is a heuristic—a practical tool—that suggests simpler theories are more testable and less prone to error, but they are not necessarily always correct. Its application is fundamental in fields like logic, science, and statistics.
- the principle that entities should not be multiplied needlessly; the simplest of two competing theories is to be preferred