- parsimony, law of
- Another name for Ockham's razor, or more generally for any methodological principle that counsels us to expect nature to use the simplest possible means to any given end.
Philosophy dictionary. Academic. 2011.
parsimony, law of
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Parsimony — is a less is better concept of frugality, economy, stinginess or caution in arriving at a hypothesis or course of action. The word derives from Middle English parcimony , from Latin parsimonia , from parsus , past participle of parcere : to spare … Wikipedia
law of parsimony — law′ of par′simony n. pho Occam s razor • Etymology: 1830–40 … From formal English to slang
parsimony — [ pα:sɪməni] noun extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources. Phrases principle (or law) of parsimony the scientific principle that things are usually connected in the simplest or most economical way. Origin ME: from L. parsimonia,… … English new terms dictionary
law of parsimony — noun the principle that entities should not be multiplied needlessly; the simplest of two competing theories is to be preferred • Syn: ↑Occam s Razor, ↑Ockham s Razor, ↑principle of parsimony • Hypernyms: ↑principle, ↑rule … Useful english dictionary
parsimony — n. 1 carefulness in the use of money or other resources. 2 meanness, stinginess. Phrases and idioms: law of parsimony the assertion that no more causes or forces should be assumed than are necessary to account for the facts. Derivatives:… … Useful english dictionary
lawof parsimony — law of parsimony n. See Ockham s razor. * * * … Universalium
law of parsimony — Date: 1837 Occam s razor … New Collegiate Dictionary
Law of Parsimony — Occam s razor (other things being equal, the simpler hypothesis is chosen) … Dictionary of ichthyology
law of parsimony — Philos. a principle according to which an explanation of a thing or event is made with the fewest possible assumptions. Cf. Occam s razor. [1830 40] * * * … Universalium
principle (or law) of parsimony — the scientific principle that things are usually connected in the simplest or most economical way. → parsimony … English new terms dictionary
