Single Idea 19342

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

Full Idea

Reason requires that we avoid multiplying hypotheses or principles, in somewhat the same way that the simplest system is always preferred in astronomy.

Gist of Idea

Reason avoids multiplying hypotheses or principles

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Discourse on Metaphysics [1686], 5)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Essays', ed/tr. Arlew,R /Garber,D [Hackett 1989], p.39


A Reaction

He offers this principle without mentioning Ockham, as if it were self-evident.