Ockham's razor

American  

noun

1. Occam's razor.

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Ockham's razor British  

noun

1. Also called: the principle of economy.  a maxim, attributed to William of Ockham, stating that in explaining something assumptions must not be needlessly multiplied

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Example Sentences

Crudely put, William of Ockham’s theory, now known as Ockham’s razor, goes like this: If there are multiple possible solutions or explanations to a particular problem, the simpler is usually the better.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 15, 2017

Paraphrasing only a little, Hawking attributes the discovery of quantum mechanics, perhaps the most important scientific theory of modern times, to Ockham’s razor.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 15, 2017

Gyres of wind, they believe, must be subject to Ockham's razor, a principle first stated by 14th century philosopher William of Ockham.

From Time Magazine Archive

The premium on pith is enshrined in perhaps science's most important law, known as the law of parsimony, or Ockham's razor.

From Time Magazine Archive