What is Occam's Razor?
This week we learn about a famous but often misunderstood principle in philosophy, and how we can use this principle to help guide us in choosing appropriate models and theories.
Follow us on social media:
Twitter: / occamanswers
Facebook: / occams-answers-1609580...
Reddit: / occamsanswers
------------------------------------------
Occam refers to William of Ockham, a 14th century English logician and theologian. A “razor” in philosophy is a guiding principle that helps philosophers “shave away” unlikely or unuseful explanations for a phenomenon. In the case of Occam’s razor, overly complicated explanations are shaved away. More directly, if two competing explanations, theories, or models explain the same phenomenon equally well, philosophers generally prefer the explanation that makes the fewest assumptions. William of Ockham was not the first to propose such a principle, as it was famously used by Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, and other philosophers before him. He did, however, use the principle in much of his philosophical work, and thus the razor became associated with him.
It is important to note that Occam’s razor does not make any claim about which of two competing theories is actually true, or which will continue to explain the phenomenon as new data is uncovered. Rather, it is a rule of thumb that guides scientists and philosophers when developing and choosing between models and theories. It is particularly effective against the tendency to add assumptions (called ad hoc hypotheses) to an older theory to make it fit with new conflicting evidence.
A good example of Occam’s razor at work concerns the debate between the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system. The goal of both models was to explain the motion of the planets as seen from earth. The geocentric model began with each planet following a simple orbit around the earth. However, it was later observed that the inner planets did not simply move across the sky but danced with the sun in a complicated pattern. The outer planets even appeared to turn around and move backward for a brief period in their orbit, before continuing through the sky. Furthermore, the planets moved at different speeds throughout their path. The geocentric model used ad hoc hypotheses to account for these new observations, assuming that the planets orbited on epicycles which themselves orbited the earth, or rather, a point very close to the earth, and that their speed was constant about a third point slightly farther from the earth. When still more discrepancies were observed, more epicycles were added until the model was thoroughly over-complicated. Meanwhile, the heliocentric model more elegantly explained all the observed phenomena by assuming all planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun. Occam’s razor supports this model, which continues to explain newly observed stellar phenomena even today.
There are many other instances in which Occam’s razor supported a successful scientific theory. For example, quantum mechanics and special relativity were both huge departures from previous theories in an effort to avoid extraneous or ad hoc hypotheses. Even before the empirical success of Occam’s razor, the idea drew support due to its aesthetic appeal. St. Thomas Aquinas, Newton, and Galileo all remarked that simplicity was inherently natural and desirable, and physicist Paul Dirac believed that theorists should strive for the mathematical beauty that often accompanies simplicity. Scientists and philosophers alike agree that all theories must be understandable and testable to be successful, therefore pragmatically speaking a model with fewer assumptions and complications is easier to work with. While opponents of Occam’s razor argue that it is subjective and stifles creativity, its successes have earned it a place as a cornerstone of modern philosophy and scientific thinking.
Пікірлер: 290
THIS is the type of video I want to see when I do a "research" on a particular word.
@kusumav4587
3 жыл бұрын
Relatable
@lilabit14
3 жыл бұрын
Right?!
@akiraakiraakiraakira
3 жыл бұрын
yeah its so simple yet so elegant
@As-tray
3 жыл бұрын
Idk, he's muffling too much.
@stinksterrekerinski4450
3 жыл бұрын
That "research" is called the study of etymology.
This is so much easier to understand than the 3 hour lecture I just tried to watch lol Thanks so much for what you do!
@occamsanswers8178
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks, that means a lot!
@eemilrouhiainen2165
2 жыл бұрын
Now you just saw how this works in action ;D He made occams version on occams theory ;D
@ArkyMalarkey
Жыл бұрын
@Greg Harrison: Actually, this sounds like a 3 hour lecture crammed into 2 minutes and 48 seconds by talking at the speed of light, but I’m an idiot.
I can't believe they named a philosopher's term after a Ferry song.
@Billthelizard.
4 жыл бұрын
Oh god fucking damni-
@CheerUpCrewcut
4 жыл бұрын
@adam gould It's a joke, even ignoring that I didn't know the term beforehand this video came out three years earlier and a quick search in either a library or the internet can tell you the history of the term dating back far more than 2020, although I am that stupid for entirely unrelated reasons, such as even bothering to explain to you.
@Billthelizard.
4 жыл бұрын
@adam gould "whoooosh"
@ThisGuy1219
4 жыл бұрын
CheerUp Crewcut comin back atcha a month later to let you know that was a Sick enough burn I let out an audible oh snap. So well done
@monkeyface6139
4 жыл бұрын
Ferry 'Cross the Mersey ?
laymans terms : Called Ockam's razor (more commonly spelled Occam's razor), it advises you to seek the more economical solution: In layman's terms, the simplest explanation is usually the best one. Occam's razor is often stated as an injunction not to make more assumptions than you absolutely need
@lindanorris2455
Жыл бұрын
HOW DO WE APPLY THIS TO THE US PRESIDENCY OF JOE BIDEN?
@nevereverr
Жыл бұрын
@@lindanorris2455Hun, turn off caps lock
In layman's terms, it's usually the easiest way that is correct, avoid all the bullshit and you'll get the right outcome. At least that's what I picked up.
@RyanInLA
4 жыл бұрын
hmm "the easiest way is correct" is not a very good approach to problem-solving. That's more like "reductivism." I always understood Occam's Razor to mean that the best path to an answer is the one that avoids or minimizes assumptions. Sort of like in a criminal trial: a prosecutor might have a weak case so he'll distract the jury with lots of conjecture, possibilities, and circumstantial evidence. Then a good defense attorney will use Occam's Razor to say "Okay, but what do we ACTUALLY know to be true?" And then "cut away" at the unproven claims.
@levimatthew8911
4 жыл бұрын
How is that different from William James' pragmatism philosophy?
@jasonng04
4 жыл бұрын
It should be, "The simplest way is most likely the truth".
@kerrykeaton4475
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@frostelemental2079
3 жыл бұрын
@@RyanInLA isn’t Occam’s razor more explainable in the following scenario: A man is dead with a bullet in his forehead and a revolver with one bullet missing on the ground, and next to it lies the casing. Let’s say there are two things that could’ve happend A: the man shot himself. or B: The man was murdered and the crime scene was framed to look like a suicide. According to Occam’s razor the most likely cause of the mans death is suicide with the current evidence. This does not claim that the man committed suicide it only makes an assumption based on current evidence on which is more likely since the framing would make more assumptions than the suicide would.
Using the "I forgot my phone" thing and the others as an animation to explain things visually is so freaking brilliant. This video is great!
@johnchristian7788
Жыл бұрын
What phone? I didn't see anything about a phone in the video!
@titoslounge1946
Жыл бұрын
@@johnchristian77881:20
@irenedavo3768
9 күн бұрын
Talk too fast!
I am so disappointed. I was certain that Occam’s Razor was a badass weapon.
@Birdseed99
2 жыл бұрын
In a way it kinda is?
@jerroldkazynski5480
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I thought it was like a surgical razor for detailed action in sensitive areas.
Great video! By the end of the first 30 seconds of this video I had a better understanding of Occam's razor and its applications then I would have gotten from any of the other videos I watched. Thank you - well done!
If you need to, you can slow the playback speed down to 0.75... it was easier for me to comphrend once I did... he talks a little too fast for me, too.
@sheeloesreallycool
4 жыл бұрын
K
@JakeBake2113
3 жыл бұрын
I did 1.25
@anthonymitchell8893
2 жыл бұрын
He's American that's why I'm looking for a nice concise English accent to explain it to me
I watched this on 2x speed because he's talking so fast I assumed we're not meant to understand it so for the heck of it I wanted to feel the need for speed
@TonyMontana-nb8zt
4 жыл бұрын
railpressureflip touche....
@Nick-cs9dt
3 жыл бұрын
Americans think that the faster they speak the more intelligent they sound.
@Don-it7hj
3 жыл бұрын
This is already sped up 2x 😂
@grayeyes1607
3 жыл бұрын
😁
@Me-ui3ug
3 жыл бұрын
@@Nick-cs9dt Americans sound like sloths compared to other English accents so I don’t know wtf u are talking about. Also southern American accents are just slowed down British accents so I don’t know where u think we talk fast.
So.... Now that you've been told what Occam's Razor is, can you retell it to me?
@qpang
4 жыл бұрын
the simple explanation is usually the correct one.
@Not_Ciel
4 жыл бұрын
Keep it simple stupid. That's what I got out of it.
@mickeh7298
4 жыл бұрын
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - Da Vinci
@charles4283
4 жыл бұрын
The simpler explanation is usually correct
@shinobix4925
4 жыл бұрын
If two or more theories explain the same thing but one is far simpler than the others then it's the best to go with the simplest one. If there are two different theories and one needs to continually add information to explain a newly discovered phenomenon, whilst the other explains the phenomenon simply and elegantly, the elegant one is probably right. Isaac Newton and a bunch of other guys said it's right so naturally it's our best bet for understanding science
Straight to the point, clear and precise. I think he used OCKHAM's Razor in making this video! Thanks
If only school was this detailed at such a short period of time. Peak efficiency right here boys!
Based off the video I didn't catch anything with how fast he was talking but I now understand after reading the comments
Are the concepts of Occam's Broom and Confirmation bias the same?
Why the rush?
The fast motion speaker makes simplicity of the good Ockham so difficult
I had to watch this twice. I kept getting distracted by the cute little characters and not listening to the description enough.
Didn't expect such a week since explanation and even with pictures figures and examples. Thank you person. You explained what i forgot better than the first time i learned it
Excellent explanation and excellent example! Thanks!
Thanks dude, this explains a lot.
So finding the simplest, less assumptive answer or equation is what Occams Razor is? I've always wondered. The video is about as clear as translucent mud( for me)...but I think I got it.
this was an amazing video, kudos!
Appreciate the info.
Its based on the principle that truth is simple and easy and therefore our explanations for life should ultimately be easy to understand
Thank you for making a short video and getting right to the point. I hate when you look up something and then they make you watch a 17 minute video, when they could have made the video only 3 minutes.
Thank you, very well explained
This is one of those times you don't want a speedy video.
What did he say? I thought this was about a razor.
Ahhh, now I get it. Thanks
Thank you
wow ..very professional. Great job!! New followers here!
This dude just speedran a philosophy lesson
The more assumptions we make about something the more likely it is that is greater probability for error.
@ejb6822
2 жыл бұрын
wrong. mixes up possibilities with probabilites.
Nice explainaition! Why the word razor though? Could you elaborate?
Well.. both are right.. but choosing which should be performed or implemented givin the context of each situation is up to the user.
Loved it
Was doing some research on ocrams razor, a terraria item, but I made a typo and ended up learning something new.
Biology is laughing at the back of the class
Straight to the point plus i like ghosts and ghouls
Its also an amazing House MD episode
Seems a bit casual, but that's what makes it traditional and good.
IN having 2 theories of a single effect, the less probable explanation has the most assumptions.
An explanation that runs afoul of Ocham's Razor is not necessarily wrong, but it would, in reason, require greater scrutiny and evidence to hold.
I'm drunk and tryna win an argument with a friend so I'm here not understanding what's being said
@Jojo-zp7fu
2 жыл бұрын
Lol! Did you win the argument?
Thank you for the video. Please don't mumble. If you must mumble, please type in subtitles. Thank you again. Good effort Loved the animation!
@Danbotology
Жыл бұрын
I reduced video speed to x0.75 and it was really helpful!
@bertbccfu9564
7 ай бұрын
I agree, I think of myself as fairly smart , not brilliant lol but smart enough, I'm a mechanic/ fabricator and I have to slove problems everyday , it just seemed like he talked to fast and it was going over my head , watched it 3 times and then read comments and now I understand it, I use this principle all the time , a lot of customers will jump to the worst possible thing they think is wrong with their vehicles and I always go for the little stuff first 99% of the time I'm right it's something small that's causing the issue
damn youtube i was just looking on which wet razor i was going to buy next?! well i guess ill go with the simplest one htey have in stock............
I understand the bit about simplifying for more optimal solutions I just think that with a bit more of a complex effort we can get mathematically closer to the kinda rough curvy stuff outside I also think that the simplest method is not the quickest method in many cases.
Now do a video on what Rule of Thumb means
I just heard someone pronounce it as O-kam (as in cam-era) and I just had to look it up to make sure I hadn't been pronouncing it wrong for years lol
I search for Occam's razor, and the first video I get an ad from Wilkinson Sword
Flat earthers be sweating rn
How about a voice that makes people fall asleep if they aren’t super high on stimulants
How to use Ocam's razor to approach the question if there's life in other planets?
Thanks for the 2x speed book reading.
Jeremy Jahns review on Old oddly brought me here
Your understanding about epicycles is misunderstood because originally the model of the universe was based on epicycles it was not an ad hoc add on. Still i understand your point even if the example is off.
I searched "occam razor explained to 5 year old" and this was the first result.
Ironic that something that is supposed to simplify things has become so complicated and misunderstood.
So high. Astronaut
I thought this was some kinda Skyrim Dagger....
Wait is it Occam’s razor or Ockham’s razor?
I LIKE SIMPLE!!! 🤩
Time to summon mechdusa
I prefer Frank Zappa’s definition
LoL, and here I thought this was about a certain type of shaving razor, instead I find a guy on Meth.
@idkidk6918
3 жыл бұрын
Lmao
The truth is simple and simple is the truth 👍
I was trying to find mechdusa but heree i am
Simplest is best. 😁👍
The binary at 0:48 translates to “sup”
Can i get a TLDR?
@exactzero
3 жыл бұрын
Keep it simple.
Needed this explanation because I'm watching Bret Weinstein. Now onto Game Theory....
I still don't get it 🙃
So basically, the simplest solution is often the best. Edit: Yo, I just used Occams razor :D
occams razor is what shaves occams face (hehe)
I had a speech professor when heard a fast speech like this would say he heard..”ble bla bla” and AUTO F-
This phrase has really picked up in popularity lately.
@lindanorris2455
Жыл бұрын
EVERYONE IS USING IT THESE DAYS EXCEPT FOR JOE AND KAMALA HARRIS BIDEN.
@nickmiller76
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, it's very popular among self-appointed internet 'intellectuals' I've noticed, often arts/humanities types who want to appear cleverer than they actually are. They also like saying things like 'thought experiment', 'Schrodinger's cat' and ' Heisenberg's uncertainty principle' as well I've noticed.
@aurtisanminer2827
Жыл бұрын
@@nickmiller76 yep. Buzz words.
slooooow doooooown......
I wanted ocrams raser lol
0:37 - 0:44 Sounds like a product disclaimer
@polarisraven5613
4 жыл бұрын
And this is a joke, not a poke at the topic.
Isn't this just deductive reasoning?
@Jimmertt
3 жыл бұрын
No, if you think that, you're missing the point
@theravyshow2570
3 жыл бұрын
If you look for the simplest answer...you don't need to deduce.
@exactzero
3 жыл бұрын
What how is that related here
@wathen004
3 жыл бұрын
@@Jimmertt granted, so please explain
The geocentric model makes way more sense than the heliocentric model.
Are you done making these stuff.. if not maybe slow down a little.. other than that it was really good
Ironically Mr. Occam was not a clean-shaven man.
Play this video at .75x Cheers.
Patrick jane❤
I love KZread….every possible answer
People! Now that’s how you explain something about anything on KZread! Fast…to the point….little animation for our chimp brains, and very informative content! Thank u!
Gillette should make a razor called macchom's Razor!
Can you lower the speed of talking please? X0.5 would be more appreciative, :-) I am a non English native speaker and love these kind of videos, however, your speed is a bit on the high side
I heard about this when I was playing the Old World Blues DLC from Fallout NV
Hickam's Dictum is the opposite of this
Fox Mulder "Occam's principle of limited imagination."!
Yes, for any given question, problem or formula, if all parameters affecting all possible answers or solutions are considered equal and therefore removed (or cancelled out) from the equation, the simplest solution is most likely the correct answer. HOWEVER, Occam's Political Corollary states: When we include politicians into any equation, you can be certain that any chance we had for simplicity was flushed down the proverbial toilet and the complexity of the solution will be 10 fold what it previously was, and, if there was money involved, it will cost 10 times what it would have cost otherwise. And this is WITHOUT going into Rule 6b concerning Socialist Orbital Sub-philosophies of said Law.
im here from the mentalist lol
Can we have the definition not the history
Harry's Razor
MatPat sent me.
You should have used the razor 🪒 on this video… 😂
it's a song