William of Ockham Quotes

Simpler explanations are, other things being equal, generally better than more complex ones.

The explanation requiring the fewest assumptions is most likely to be correct.

3 is a prime, 5 is a prime, and 7 is a prime. Why bother with non-prime numbers when the primes can do everything?

When you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.

God's existence cannot be deduced by reason alone.

Intuitive cognition of a thing is cognition that enables us to know whether the thing exists or does not exist, in such a way that, if the thing exists, then the intellect immediately judges that it exists and evidently knows that it exists, unless the judgment happens to be impeded through the imperfection of this cognition.

Whenever two hypotheses cover the facts, use the simpler of the two.

Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.

Entities should not be posited unnecessarily.

Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem

Plurality should not be assumed without necessity.

Never increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything.

Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate. A plurality (of reasons) should not be posited without necessity.

My God is the green tide in the spring leaves the redness of cherries high in the air the excitement of shooting stars the song of birds in summer branches the sunrise on a winter's morning the name of everything we don't understand.

With all things being equal, the simplest explanation tends to be the right one.

For nothing ought to be posited without a reason given, unless it is self-evident (literally, known through itself) or known by experience or proved by the authority of Sacred Scripture.

Plurality is not to be posited without necessity.

What can be explained by the assumption of fewer things is vainly explained by the assumption of more things.

Entities are not to be multiplied beyond necessity.

First it must be known that only a spoken word or a conventional sign is an equivocal or univocal term; therefore a mental contentor concept is, strictly speaking, neither equivocal nor univocal.

Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity.

No more things should be presumed to exist than are absolutely necessary.

It is vain to do with more what can be done with less.