4 ms·

simplest explanation is most likely the one nearest the truth

• skygazer 3y ago
  ironically, that’s too simplistic. Simplicity is only virtuous in an explanation if the explanation itself is not contradicted by reality. Unbound from reality, simplicity is dangerously seductive because it’s easy and wrong.
  • bch 3y ago
    For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong. - H.L. Mencken
  • ghufran_syed 3y ago
    very glib (though true) - but do you have any evidence in this case as to what reality is? If so, could you please explain how the given statement is "contradicted by reality"?
    • skygazer 3y ago
      I was just addressing the notion that the simplicity of the conspiracy theory was evidence of its veracity - it is not. If you're asking if I have evidence against the nonsensical conspiracy theory that third party praise given about a recently fired CEO can be construed as evidence of a secret ownership stake in the charity that fired him, I'm going to leave that to the judgement of the reader.
• haltist 3y ago
  Discovered a while ago by Occam.[1] 1: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor
  • gjvc 3y ago
    no shit. tell me why the sky is blue.
    • deleted 3y ago
      [deleted]
  • achileas 3y ago
    That’s not how Occam’s Razor works, though, as explained in your link.
    • haltist 3y ago
      Good to know.