Philosopher Profiles
William of Ockham
(1285ish — 1347ish)
Ockham's razor famously states: do not multiply beyond necessity. This has more recently been supplanted by Gillette's razor: multiply gradually over the years convincing your customers that one more blade is some sort of revolution in shaving.
Written By: Mark Wales
Created: 14th October, 2008 | Last Updated: —
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(Image of William of Ockham is public domain.)
Photograph
Ockham invented American sign-language hundreds of years before America even existed.
Stats
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Main Contributions:
Ockham's Razor -
Quotation:
“Never increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything.” -
Key Areas:
Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion -
Annoying Habits:
Always believed the most simple explanation even when it was clearly wrong. -
Nicknames:
Will, Doc. Ock,
Top Trumps
- Beard: 0
- Fame: 4
- Logic: 4
- Readability: 2
- Contribution: 3
