Single Idea 16676

[catalogued under 2. Reason / B. Laws of Thought / 6. Ockham's Razor]

Full Idea

It is pointless to do through more things something that can be done through fewer.

Gist of Idea

Why use more things when fewer will do?

Source

William of Ockham (Tractatus de corpore Christi [1323], Ch. 29), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 14.3

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.290


A Reaction

The more famous formulation isn't found in his works, so I'm delighted to find an authentic quotation from the man.

Related Idea

Idea 6806 Do not multiply entities beyond necessity [William of Ockham]