Riesch, Hauke
(2010)
Simple or Simplistic? Scientists' Views on Occam's Razor.
THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science, 25 (1).
pp. 75-90.
ISSN 2171-679X
Abstract
This paper presents a discourse analysis of 40 semi-structured interviews with scientists on their views of
Occam's razor and simplicity. It finds that there are many different interpretations and thoughts about the precise meaning of the principle as well as many scientists who reject it outright, or only a very limited version. In light of the variation of scientists' opinions, the paper looks at the discursive uses of simplicity in scientists' thinking and how scientists' interpretations of Occam's razor impact on philosophy's representation of the principle and affects the communication between philosophy and science.
| Item Type: |
Published Article or Volume
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| Creators: |
|
| Additional Information: |
ISSN: 0495-4548 (print) |
| Keywords: |
scientists' philosophies of science, Occam's razor, sociology of philosophy of science |
| Depositing User: |
Users 15304 not found. |
| Date Deposited: |
13 Feb 2014 00:45 |
| Last Modified: |
13 Feb 2014 00:45 |
| Item ID: |
10329 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
THEORIA. An International Journal for Theory, History and Foundations of Science |
| Publisher: |
Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea / Universidad del País Vasco |
| Official URL: |
http://www.ehu.es/ojs/index.php/THEORIA/article/vi... |
| DOI or Unique Handle: |
10.1387/theoria.489 |
| Date: |
May 2010 |
| Page Range: |
pp. 75-90 |
| Volume: |
25 |
| Number: |
1 |
| ISSN: |
2171-679X |
| URI: |
https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/10329 |
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