Occam’s Razor explained: When you hear hoofbeats think horses, not zebras

Occam’s razor, a foundational principle in philosophy and science, postulates that when presented with multiple explanations for a phenomenon, the simplest one – requiring the fewest assumptions – is often the most likely to be correct. Named after the 14th-century Franciscan friar, William of Ockham, this heuristic tool champions simplicity and clarity over complexity. At …

Hitchens’s Razor: what can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence

In our daily discourse, it’s common to encounter bold claims made without a shred of evidence. These baseless assertions, while occasionally persuasive, rest on shaky ground. Hitchens’s Razor, a clear and concise principle, provides a response to such proclamations: “What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence.” This adage serves as …

Sagan Standard: Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence

Carl Sagan once said, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”, which is now known as the “Sagan Standard”. This means that if someone says something really surprising or unusual, they should have strong proof to back it up. It’s like telling a big story-you need to show it’s true. This idea is important today because there’s …

The Optimal Order for Reading Asimov’s Foundation Series [A Comprehensive Guide]

Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series stands as a monumental achievement in science fiction, weaving a tapestry of narratives that span millennia and explore the rise and fall of civilizations. For newcomers to this intricate universe, however, the path to immersion might appear daunting. With prequels, sequels, and the original trilogy penned over decades, determining an optimal …

Leslie Lamport: The Man Who Revolutionized Computer Science With Math

Leslie Lamport’s journey as a computer scientist, driven by his background in mathematics, has significantly influenced modern computer science. Lamport’s philosophical approach toward algorithms and the foundational role of mathematics in programming is instrumental in understanding the relationship between programming and coding. From his reflections on distributed systems to his interactions with industry, we delve …

What was Isaac Asimov like in person?

Isaac Asimov, renowned as one of the most brilliant minds in science fiction, was not only an extraordinary writer but also an exemplary human being. His ability to weave complex scientific principles into fascinating narratives won him accolades worldwide and positioned him as a literary giant. For many, including myself, Asimov is a favorite, and …