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Single Idea 21687

[from 'On Simple Theories of a Complex World' by Willard Quine, in 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 1. Scientific Theory ]

Full Idea

It is not to be wondered that theory makers seek simplicity. When two theories are equally defensible on other counts, certainly the simpler of the two is to be preferred on the score of both beauty and convenience.

Gist of Idea

It seems obvious to prefer the simpler of two theories, on grounds of beauty and convenience

Source

Willard Quine (On Simple Theories of a Complex World [1960], p.255)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Ways of Paradox and other essays' [Harvard 1976], p.255


A Reaction

A simple application of Ockham's Razor. Quine goes on to nicely deconstruct what is involved in simplicity, and identify a certain amount of dubious prejudice in the concept.

Related Idea

Idea 8207 The quest for simplicity drove scientists to posit new entities, such as molecules in gases [Quine]