Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Occam

noun

/ˈɒk.əm/

Definition

Occam refers to a principle in philosophy and problem-solving that advocates for simplicity in explanations.

Examples

In scientific research, we often apply Occam’s Razor to choose the most straightforward theory that fits the data.
When faced with multiple solutions to a problem, it’s wise to consider Occam’s view and choose the one that requires the fewest assumptions.

Meaning

Occam’s Razor is a heuristic used to guide decision-making and scientific hypotheses. It suggests that the simplest explanation, or the one with the least assumptions, is usually the correct one.