Fun | Philosophical Razors
I joined The Philosophical Society when I was in university. We regularly dove into deep debates and discussions about life, ethics, and logic. This is where I was first introduced to philosophical razors — those simple yet powerful mental tools that help us cut through all the unnecessary fluff in arguments and arrive at clearer conclusions. These razors aren’t hard-and-fast rules, but they serve as guideposts in reasoning, helping us simplify complex ideas, avoid jumping to conclusions, and focus on what truly matters.
Occam’s Razor
“Entities should not be multiplied without necessity.”
Occam’s Razor is all about choosing simplicity. When presented with multiple explanations, the one that assumes the least is usually the best starting point. Think about it like this: if you’re trying to figure out why your computer isn’t working, it’s more likely to be a software glitch than an alien invasion.
Occam’s Duct Tape
“Simple explanations are great, but don’t oversimplify complex problems.”
While simplicity is helpful, some situations require nuance. Occam’s Duct Tape serves as a reminder that not everything can be boiled down to a single, simple explanation — especially when dealing with more complicated problems like climate change or mental health issues.
Hanlon’s Razor
“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”
Hanlon’s Razor helps us temper our reactions when something goes wrong. It encourages us to consider that a mistake or misunderstanding is more likely than someone intentionally trying to harm us. This razor has saved me from jumping to the wrong conclusions so many times in both personal and professional situations.
Hitchens’ Razor
“What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.”
Christopher Hitchens’ razor reminds us that bold claims need strong proof. If someone makes an extraordinary claim without any solid evidence, it’s fair to dismiss it just as easily. In the era of misinformation and conspiracy theories, this is a tool I often find myself relying on.
Grice’s Razor
“In conversation, prefer the interpretation that makes the least conversational implicature.”
Grice’s Razor emphasizes straightforward communication. When we talk to others, this principle encourages us to take their words at face value, rather than reading too much into what they might be implying. It helps simplify conversations and prevents unnecessary misunderstandings.
Alder’s Razor
“What cannot be settled by experiment is not worth debating.”
Alder’s Razor focuses on practicality. If a question or argument can’t be tested or resolved through observation or experiment, then it’s probably not worth arguing over. This is helpful in steering clear of endless debates that have no clear resolution.
Feynman’s Razor
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
Physicist Richard Feynman reminds us that self-deception is the easiest trap to fall into. It’s crucial to question our own assumptions and biases because we often believe what we want to be true rather than what is actually true. This razor is a constant reminder to stay humble and self-aware.
Riker’s Razor
“If you’re unsure whether to believe something, don’t.”
Taken from the character Commander Riker of *Star Trek*, this razor encourages skepticism. When something doesn’t sit right with you or you’re unsure about its truth, it’s safer to withhold belief until more information comes to light.
Jung’s Razor
“Beware of those who know their purpose.”
Jung’s Razor advises caution around people who seem overly certain of their purpose. Blind certainty can sometimes close people off to other perspectives and experiences. Embracing ambiguity and staying open to change can lead to more meaningful growth.
Chatton’s Anti-Razor
“If three things aren’t enough to explain something, try a fourth.”
Chatton’s Anti-Razor challenges Occam’s idea that simplicity is always preferable. Sometimes, the situation really is more complicated, and adding another layer of explanation could help clarify things. It’s a reminder that not everything can be solved with simplicity alone.
Hume’s Guillotine
“You cannot derive an ‘ought’ from an ‘is’.”
David Hume’s principle tells us that just because something is a certain way doesn’t mean it should be that way. For example, even if poverty exists, that doesn’t mean it’s justified or acceptable. This distinction between facts and values is key in moral philosophy.
Newton’s Flaming Laser Sword
“What cannot be settled by experiment is not worth debating.”
This wonderfully named razor suggests we avoid getting bogged down by speculative debates that can’t be resolved by experiment or observation. It’s similar to Alder’s Razor but with a flair that fits its more dramatic title. Keep focused on what can be proven or observed.
Sagan’s Standard
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
Carl Sagan’s razor insists that outlandish claims, like the existence of aliens or miraculous healings, require equally remarkable evidence. The bigger and more unlikely the claim, the stronger the proof needs to be before it’s worth taking seriously.
