Occam's razor is a problem-solving principle that suggests the simplest explanation for a phenomenon is usually the best one. Sherlock Holmes' principle seems (very) different: "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." (Wiki) Both principles rely on statistical probabilities. Quite often, the...
I noticed this unfamiliar George Orwell quote on page 48 of Robert Galbraith's (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling) latest book: The Running Grave. This quote feels related to my recent blog: Philosophy – our most dangerous belief? The best example of this George Orwell quote is communism; also see my 2015 blog. Apart from (instinctive) romantic love, all ideas are rooted in...
I could blame my coffee machine that broke down after some 10+ years of service. I could blame our rainy summer weather. I doubt it's about coffee or sunshine. I suppose it's far deeper. A recent road trip to Germany lifted my spirits. A lack of hotel sleep made matters worse, however. Actually, I do not (yet) know my reason(s) for feeling listless and bored. As a...
Our brains are wired for efficiency (eg, Nautilus, Quanta). They excel in quick & dirty solutions to the very many decisions that have to be taken. Given a choice between complexity versus simplicity, the brain will opt for simple solutions. This choice is in accordance with Occam's razor, a "problem-solving principle" (Wiki). Sometimes, a problem is too...
In 2021, I've written a lot about human stupidity (my blogs). I've been hesitant to address the How-What-When-Where-Who-Why questions. A 2021 Psyche article was very helpful: Why some of the smartest people can be so very stupid (eg, my blog). Apparently, stupidity is a blind spot in our thinking. Recently, I noticed two more related articles that have been causing...
We typically believe in simple perspectives: it's either day or night rather than acknowledging dawn or twilight. Things are either black or white rather than the many shades of grey in between. People are either right or wrong rather than considering subjective truths. Many - if not most - things are dualistic in our lives (eg, us/them, yes/no). If so, how can...
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