Occam's razor
When multiple explanations are possible, the simplest one is usually the best to test first.
The principle is attributed to the English Franciscan friar William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347), although similar ideas existed earlier. The formulation states that entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity. It is not a law of nature, but a rule of thumb: among competing hypotheses that explain the same data, the one with the fewest assumptions takes precedence until evidence suggests otherwise. The principle is routinely used in science, medicine, and forensics as a starting point.
The car won't start. Possible explanations: a dead battery, a faulty immobilizer, or a midnight saboteur. Ockham says: start with the battery.
The principle protects against building towering theories on shaky foundations. Simpler explanations are also easier to falsify.
Occam's razor doesn't say that the simplest explanation is always correct. It says that it should be investigated first.
Think of an explanation you've come up with recently. Is there a simpler hypothesis you haven't tested?
Choose the simplest sufficient explanation first.
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