Joseph Pallattil
William of Ockham is, along with Thomas Aquinas and John Duns Scotus, among the most prominent figures in the history of philosophy during the High Middle Ages. He was born at Okham in 1290. He studied and taught at Oxford. Because of his suspect doctrines, he was called upon in 1324 to appear before the Pope at Avignon. He escaped from Avignon with the Superior General of his Order. He openly took up a position against the Pope in favour of the Emperor, which lead to the consequent excommunication.
There is a phrase which Okham repeats often in his writings. That phrase is known in the history of philosophy as ‘Okham’s Razor’. The phrase is, “Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate”, which is translated as “Beings must not be multiplied unnecessarily”. The Okham’s Razor is the problem-solving principle which states that “entities should not be multiplied without necessity”, or more simply, the simplest explanation is usually the right one. “Ockham’s Razor,” is also expressed as “Don’t multiply entities beyond necessity.”
Many scientists have adopted or reinvented Occam’s Razor. The most useful statement of the principle for scientists is, “when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.”
If you have two theories that both explain the observed facts, then you should use the simplest until more evidence comes along. The simplest explanation for some phenomenon is more likely to be accurate than more complicated explanations. If you have two equally likely solutions to a problem, choose the simplest. The explanation requiring the fewest assumptions is most likely to be correct. We can say it in a simple way, “Keep things simple!”
Simplicity of realities, ideas, theories is the accurate one. This idea of simple way of explaining realities is very much applicable to our life. Luxury of words and ideas, complicated versions of realities are not be comprehended. What we understand is the simplest way of presentation. Okham’s Razor challenges us to be simple as much as we can in order that others can understand us in a more clear way. Simple thoughts, simple words, simple actions, simple ways of living are much more acceptable and understandable.
