What About Occam’s Razor?

It has nothing to do with Truth

Why am I even talking about this?

Because I tend to find myself in debates quite often.

I have a face that seems to lead people to think I’m stupid.

It could be the blank stare I exhibit at times.

Who knows?

Perhaps it’s my tendency to give an opinion that flies in the face of what’s normal.

Or my refusal to use big words, and lean toward slang.

Anyway, I debate a lot.

It’s what happens in this Cultural War we are in if you give an opinion, or refuse to accept the official narrative.

Therefore, Occam’s Razor often comes up as a problem solving tool that many people use.

Here is the razor in a nutshell.

“The simplest explanation is usually the best one”

Now, like most philosophies there’s more to it than this, but this is what comes up in debate. This is a method people use for dealing with problems which pop up in life, or in the social world around them. It solves many political or social mysteries for people. It allows folks to go back to their busy lives.

Often, when I’m explaining my view on something, my opponent will give a simple explanation then say “Occam’s razor, the simplest explanation is probably the best.” Then, pat themselves on the back and act like that was a slam dunk.

Occam has spoken.

I have been put in my place.

But, Occam’s Razor is not a tool for seeking real truth.

It’s a tool for helping a person to feel like they accomplished something, so they can go back to eating Cheetos.

Real truth is never simple.

Pick anything in life or history or politics and really look at it. You will not find simplicity. Sure, you can narrow it down to a sound bite. But, the reality is bigger and the sound bite is actually deception because it tends to leave out vital details.

Occam’s Razor can help us take a complex problem and break it down into smaller simpler chunks. But, we are not supposed to just leave it there. It might require a little more time, effort and brain power to get to the truth.

In modern social discourse, we run into talking points all the time. They are simple little sound bites, that are given to the soldiers so they can go out and defend something.

But, often a little pecking away at a talking point can help reveal some truth.

Why does this matter?

Because our world is ruled by votes. Talking points can help sway voters, which can lead to massive changes in our lives. It’s important that we do not just allow a talking point to be the end all of our thoughts on a subject.

Also, in this Culture War we hear talking points at work, in family settings, online, or when we are with friends. It’s valuable to understand where these simplistic ideas come from.

These talking points can be used to create policies that impact our life. It’s important to seek truth, so we are not swept away by idiotic rules based on lies.

Few things are simple. Few things are cut and dried. Explore deeper.

Occam’s Razor helps in creating sound bites, talking points, simplifying a subject and decision making.

But truth is often more than just a talking point.

Seek truth.

---

Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet and blogger.

Follow Him on Medium: https://chris-bunton.medium.com/

Follow Him on Free Life Blog: https://myfreelifeblog.com/

Subscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@chrisbunton

Read His Bible Studies on Blogger: https://chrisbunton.blogspot.com/

Support the work for the cost of a Coffee

Support the work through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=13514235&fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Photo by Pexels/Eric Mclean