A new razor

Use this forum to discuss the philosophy of science. Philosophy of science deals with the assumptions, foundations, and implications of science.
Karpel Tunnel
Posts: 948
Joined: February 16th, 2018, 11:28 am

Re: A new razor

Post by Karpel Tunnel »

h_k_s wrote: May 7th, 2019, 3:49 am
Karpel Tunnel wrote: May 7th, 2019, 2:16 am
If you mean that what you said and what I said are the same, they are not.
To say that simpler explanations are more likely to be true is a theory about how the universe works and is made up. Like it is more likely it will turn out that consciousness is caused by a simple mechanism than a complicated one, because simpler explanations are more likely.
Whereas the OR is a methodological explanation...
if we have two explanations and one of them has less entities and they both work equally well explainging the pheonomenon, then is is better to choose the simpler one.

Those are very different kinds of ideas, the first is a theory about ontology, the second is a suggestion about how community decides what to consider knowledge.
Simpler explanations are more likely to be true -- you are correct.
Yeah, well, I don't know how to say it so you will understand. I mean that that is not the case - and would be rather odd news to particle physicists and neuroscients - and it is also NOT what Occam's Razor is saying.

It could be your hypothesis.
User avatar
h_k_s
Posts: 1243
Joined: November 25th, 2018, 12:09 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle
Location: Rocky Mountains

Re: A new razor

Post by h_k_s »

Karpel Tunnel wrote: May 4th, 2019, 9:33 am
h_k_s wrote: April 29th, 2019, 10:01 am Occam's razor says that of all possible explanations, the simplest explanation is probably the most likely to be true.
It doesn't say this. That's and ontological claim, whereas the OR is a methological suggestion. If we have two hypotheses that fit the evidence, let's agree on the one that posits less entities. This way we are protected from drawing more conclusions than is necessary (so far).
If you had been in the technical writing course that I used to teach at the college level, you would have learned to clean up your language and writing so that it would become much cleaner than it now is. Having said that …

Occam's Razor: make as few assumptions as is necessary; never more than needed.

Corollary: the simplest explanation is usually the most likely to be valid.

Same-ee same G/I Soldier.
Karpel Tunnel
Posts: 948
Joined: February 16th, 2018, 11:28 am

Re: A new razor

Post by Karpel Tunnel »

h_k_s wrote: May 7th, 2019, 7:58 am Occam's Razor: make as few assumptions as is necessary; never more than needed.

Corollary: the simplest explanation is usually the most likely to be valid.
It's not a corollary, if you'd taken my college philosophy classes I would have had more time to show you in more detail and could have assigned you readings to make it easier for you to acknowledge that the first statement does not entail the second and certainly is not same same.

I notice you do not respond to examples or arguments. You repeat your position. I am surprised a college teacher or professor considers that a response.

The second is an ontological claim. The former is a methodological suggestion.
The latter is a terrible heuristic. And would mislead neuroscientists and partical physicists, for example. And actually does mislead certain kinds of technocrats who view ecosystems as simple things to tweak: say with cane toads or as a rule tonsil removal.

One could add in a lot of provisos to the second statement to make is a better heuristic, but it still is not entailed from the first statement because it is a claim about truth, rather than an instruction regarding how 'we' as a group of people trying to determine which of two EQUALLY EFFECTIVE explanations to choose BETWEEN should proceed.

That's not an assertion about how the universe is made up: that is, it ain't an ontological assertion.

But you seem to be someone who doesn't really want to actually have a discussion. If you were unclear about a point I made, you could ask. But for some reason, in your universe, you seem to think restating your opinion is having a philosophical discussion.

The simplest explanation for your pointing out my errors is that you see this as a pissing match.
The simplest explanation for your not responding to the points I made, or asking for clarification if you felt it was unclear, is that you are not a good interlocuter and one that is actually afraid to interact with other people's ideas or you are lazy, not that these are mutually exclusive options.

But just because that's the simplest doesn't mean it's true. However the pattern has tried my patience enough to make me ignore you from here on out.
User avatar
h_k_s
Posts: 1243
Joined: November 25th, 2018, 12:09 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle
Location: Rocky Mountains

Re: A new razor

Post by h_k_s »

Karpel Tunnel wrote: May 7th, 2019, 8:40 am
h_k_s wrote: May 7th, 2019, 7:58 am Occam's Razor: make as few assumptions as is necessary; never more than needed.

Corollary: the simplest explanation is usually the most likely to be valid.
It's not a corollary, if you'd taken my college philosophy classes I would have had more time to show you in more detail and could have assigned you readings to make it easier for you to acknowledge that the first statement does not entail the second and certainly is not same same.

I notice you do not respond to examples or arguments. You repeat your position. I am surprised a college teacher or professor considers that a response.

The second is an ontological claim. The former is a methodological suggestion.
The latter is a terrible heuristic. And would mislead neuroscientists and partical physicists, for example. And actually does mislead certain kinds of technocrats who view ecosystems as simple things to tweak: say with cane toads or as a rule tonsil removal.

One could add in a lot of provisos to the second statement to make is a better heuristic, but it still is not entailed from the first statement because it is a claim about truth, rather than an instruction regarding how 'we' as a group of people trying to determine which of two EQUALLY EFFECTIVE explanations to choose BETWEEN should proceed.

That's not an assertion about how the universe is made up: that is, it ain't an ontological assertion.

But you seem to be someone who doesn't really want to actually have a discussion. If you were unclear about a point I made, you could ask. But for some reason, in your universe, you seem to think restating your opinion is having a philosophical discussion.

The simplest explanation for your pointing out my errors is that you see this as a pissing match.
The simplest explanation for your not responding to the points I made, or asking for clarification if you felt it was unclear, is that you are not a good interlocuter and one that is actually afraid to interact with other people's ideas or you are lazy, not that these are mutually exclusive options.

But just because that's the simplest doesn't mean it's true. However the pattern has tried my patience enough to make me ignore you from here on out.
I am going to enjoy discussions with you Karpel Tunnel and I have added you to my friends list.
User avatar
h_k_s
Posts: 1243
Joined: November 25th, 2018, 12:09 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle
Location: Rocky Mountains

Re: A new razor

Post by h_k_s »

Karpel Tunnel wrote: May 7th, 2019, 8:40 am
h_k_s wrote: May 7th, 2019, 7:58 am Occam's Razor: make as few assumptions as is necessary; never more than needed.

Corollary: the simplest explanation is usually the most likely to be valid.
It's not a corollary, if you'd taken my college philosophy classes I would have had more time to show you in more detail and could have assigned you readings to make it easier for you to acknowledge that the first statement does not entail the second and certainly is not same same.

I notice you do not respond to examples or arguments. You repeat your position. I am surprised a college teacher or professor considers that a response.

The second is an ontological claim. The former is a methodological suggestion.
The latter is a terrible heuristic. And would mislead neuroscientists and partical physicists, for example. And actually does mislead certain kinds of technocrats who view ecosystems as simple things to tweak: say with cane toads or as a rule tonsil removal.

One could add in a lot of provisos to the second statement to make is a better heuristic, but it still is not entailed from the first statement because it is a claim about truth, rather than an instruction regarding how 'we' as a group of people trying to determine which of two EQUALLY EFFECTIVE explanations to choose BETWEEN should proceed.

That's not an assertion about how the universe is made up: that is, it ain't an ontological assertion.

But you seem to be someone who doesn't really want to actually have a discussion. If you were unclear about a point I made, you could ask. But for some reason, in your universe, you seem to think restating your opinion is having a philosophical discussion.

The simplest explanation for your pointing out my errors is that you see this as a pissing match.
The simplest explanation for your not responding to the points I made, or asking for clarification if you felt it was unclear, is that you are not a good interlocuter and one that is actually afraid to interact with other people's ideas or you are lazy, not that these are mutually exclusive options.

But just because that's the simplest doesn't mean it's true. However the pattern has tried my patience enough to make me ignore you from here on out.
Good analysis, Karpel Tunnel .

You cover a lot of good possibilities there.

In my own particular case, I have found that like Socrates it is best to torture others with questions in order to get at meaning.

In my own view, Socrates used questions as a means to manipulate others into his own version of Sophist conclusions.

I myself use questions to torture others to make them cough up all their arguments and views. My questions are subtle however. They often are not phrased as questions.

At any rate, as I pointed out before, you yourself will likely be a valuable resourse here and to me and to others.
User avatar
Hereandnow
Posts: 2837
Joined: July 11th, 2012, 9:16 pm
Favorite Philosopher: the moon and the stars

Re: A new razor

Post by Hereandnow »

Kevin Levites

Never blame an insufficiency of theory on that which can be adequately explained by a sloppy and/or substandard application of said theory."
You mean, just because the theory is sloppy or substandard, if it works, it's ok? You mean by it working that it has no competing theory that does a better job; and you mean there are no outstanding anomalies the the theory fails to address; and you mean by "sloppy" the theory is not efficient in its conception, as it would be were the standard razor to used??

But are you implying that a theory can be both sloppy or substandardly applied AND sufficient, sufficiency being essential to being adequate to what is required? If so, then the sufficiency must lie with the parts of the theory that do what the theory needs to do.(Forget about application--why would you include this? It is entirely beside the point of theory content). This means there is something about this theory that is not blameworthy for its content save that it is in mere excess, and this means it possesses all the Occams razor would preserve, just more. It would be redundant, there would be nonsequitors, irrelevancies, and so on. No one would argue to keep these. Therefore, your "new" razor would likely be just as the old.
Post Reply

Return to “Philosophy of Science”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021