Whoever named this principle “Occam’s Razor” understood the value of a good name. Calling it “The Law of Parsimony” just doesn’t have the same zip. It’s also not original with Occam — Thomas Aquinas a couple of centuries earlier stated a similar idea, and it may likely not be original with him.
My biggest problem with the movie Contact was when astrophysicist Jodie Foster explained Occam’s Razor to Matthew McConaughey, describing it as a “scientific principle.” William of Ockham was a THEOLOGIAN, and McConaughey’s character was a Jesuit priest whose JOB DESCRIPTION was mediating between the teachings of the Church and the advances of science. Gulielmus Occamus may not have invented the field, but he was one of its biggest names. I don’t recall how it was dealt with in the book, but I can’t imagine Carl Sagan would have been that clumsy.
Sure, for the audience’s benefit Foster had to explain it to someone, but they should have have her give the speech to somebody else. Or at least have McConaughey respond “You do know that William of Ockham was a Franciscan monk, right?”
Jesy Bertz Premium Member over 3 years ago
There are a lot of people around these days who should lose their pinkies.
dwane.scoty1 over 3 years ago
Or, “Just keep it stupid, Simple!” Right, Cyn?
Egrayjames over 3 years ago
Had to google Occam’s Razor to make sense of today’s comic. Glad I did.
Michael G. over 3 years ago
Pretty much nailed it, in her usual smart-ass fashion.
JudyAz over 3 years ago
That’s quite a threat! Without pinkies, how could they drink tea?!
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
Not exactly but not bad…..
ZBicyclist Premium Member over 3 years ago
Whoever named this principle “Occam’s Razor” understood the value of a good name. Calling it “The Law of Parsimony” just doesn’t have the same zip. It’s also not original with Occam — Thomas Aquinas a couple of centuries earlier stated a similar idea, and it may likely not be original with him.
ZBicyclist Premium Member over 3 years ago
I also note that, like nearly every monk who had an original thought, he was accused of heresy.
“On June 6, 1328, William was officially excommunicated… William of Ockham’s philosophy was never officially condemned as heretical.” (Wikipedia)
fritzoid Premium Member over 3 years ago
My biggest problem with the movie Contact was when astrophysicist Jodie Foster explained Occam’s Razor to Matthew McConaughey, describing it as a “scientific principle.” William of Ockham was a THEOLOGIAN, and McConaughey’s character was a Jesuit priest whose JOB DESCRIPTION was mediating between the teachings of the Church and the advances of science. Gulielmus Occamus may not have invented the field, but he was one of its biggest names. I don’t recall how it was dealt with in the book, but I can’t imagine Carl Sagan would have been that clumsy.
Sure, for the audience’s benefit Foster had to explain it to someone, but they should have have her give the speech to somebody else. Or at least have McConaughey respond “You do know that William of Ockham was a Franciscan monk, right?”