#mind #mental-model # [[Epistemic status]] #shower-thought # Related - [[Simplicity]] - [[Philosophy/Epistemology/Simplicity does not necessarily mean truth]] - [[Philosophy/Epistemology/Rationalism/Rationalism is simulation]] - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Decision making/Decision making]] - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Models/The overuse of models]] - [[Philosophy/Rationality/Optimising the universe]] # Occam razor #to-digest >Darwin proposed that the diversity of life is due to one basic algorithm. Mountcastle proposed that the diversity of **intelligence is also due to one basic algorithm**. >~ [[Jeff Hawkins - A Thousand Brains_ A New Theory of Intelligence|Jeff Hawkins]] **The Occam Razor principle states that when faced with competing explanations for a phenomenon, the simplest one should be selected**. This principle can be related to the [[Maximum entropy|maximum entropy]] principle, which states that any system tends to change towards a state of maximum disorder. This means that, when faced with competing explanations, the simplest explanation that produces the highest level of disorder should be selected. By following the Occam Razor principle and selecting the simplest explanation, the system can move towards a state of maximum entropy, which is the state of maximum disorder.  >Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler. ~ [[Einstein]] Relativistic Occam's Razor is a philosophical principle which states that the [[Simplicity|simplest]] explanation is usually the best. It is often used to describe the idea that [[Via Negativa|less is more]], and has been applied to various concepts such as [[Via Negativa|via negativa]] (the idea that it is often better to remove something than to add it), [[Via Negativa|inverse model]] (the idea that it is often better to start with the end goal in mind and work backwards), and other ideas. Its application to these concepts suggest that it is better to start with the simplest solution or approach and build upon it, rather than start with a complex solution and try to simplify it. >Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know. ~ [[Lao Tze]]  >Above all, our theory explains why simplicity is so highly desirable. To understand this there is no need for us to assume a 'principle of economy of thought' or anything of the kind. Simple statements, if knowledge is our object, are to be prized more highly than less simple ones because they tell us more; because their empirical content is greater; and because they are better testable. >~ [[Karl Popper]]  ## Examples A good example of the Occam Razor principle in action can be seen when considering the cause of an illness. The simplest explanation that fits the evidence and produces the highest level of disorder is often the correct one. For instance, if a person is experiencing symptoms of a cold, the simplest explanation is that the person has a virus. This explanation is simpler than the alternative explanation that they have been exposed to a chemical toxin, and thus it is the one that should be chosen.