What is the definition of "Razor" (as in Occam's Razor) and what is the etymology of the word?

Question

I can't find a definition of Razor in this sense anywhere. Someone please clarify for me. I'm also interested to know where the term "Razor" is derived from, in this sense.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Ahh, I remember wondering this myself. It was mentioned in an interesting mystery novel.

Occam's razor was a reasoning technique, a way to figure out what was the "correct answer." Basically, it says that the most likely solution is the simplest.

On www.etymonline.org:

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=razor&searchmode=none

razor
c.1290, from O.Fr. rasour "a razor" (12c.), from raser "to scrape, shave" (see raze). The use of razorback for a type of pig with a sharp ridge-like back dates from 1849.

Occam's razor
when two competing hypotheses explain the data equally well, choose the simpler. Named for Eng. philosopher William of Ockham (c.1285-c.1349).

Answer 2

Well a razor is used to cut. Occam's Razor is used to find the simplest answer and cut out the complicated ones. It's used to pare down your choices so in that sense it acts as a razor.

Answer 3

Mmmm, Occam's razor. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure its a method of reasoning, saying basically, the simplest explanation is most likely the one. "razor" in the sense of cutting away the other confusing, complex options.

Answer 4

"Razor" in "Occam's Razor" means just that - a razor' a keen sharp edge to cut away what is unnecessary, because the best answer is usually the simplest.

Answer 5

It's the idea that the simplest soution is often the correct one. Physicists like the word "elegant".