The following mental models are philosophical razors. Rules of thumb that help eliminate unlikely explanations for a phenomenon. These are not correct 100% of the time, but more often than not. This makes them useful mental shortcuts to make decisions faster.
Table of Content
- The Sagan Standard
- Occam’s Razor
- Hume’s Razor
- Popper’s Falsifiability Principle
- Newton’s Flaming Laser Sword / Alder’s Razor
- The Duck Test
- Tarzwell’s Razor
- Hitchen’s Razor
- Grice’s Razor
- Hanlon’s Razor
The Sagan Standard
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. If someone claims that their name is Bob, that is not an extraordinary claim. However, if someone claims that they saw a UFO, that is extraordinary, and must be backed up by extraordinary evidence to prove it.
Occam’s Razor
Sometimes called the principle of parsimony. It suggests that, when faced with competing hypotheses or explanations, the simplest* one is often the most likely or correct.
*simplest: requiring the fewest assumptions and complexities while still accounting for the available evidence.
Learn more about Occam’s Razor here.
Hume’s Razor
Causes must be proportional to effects. A slight gust of wind is not enough to cause a Boeing 747 to crash. If a cause is not able to produce the observed effect, we must reject it, or add what is needed to create a just proportion to the effect.
Popper’s Falsifiability Principle
For a theory to be considered scientific, it must be possible to disprove or refute it. Example: “All swans are white.” If you find one black swan, you would be able to falsify the theory. Claims that are unfalsifiable should be dismissed.
Newton’s Flaming Laser Sword / Alder’s Razor
“If something cannot be settled by experiment, it is not worth debating.“
The term was coined by Australian mathematician and philosopher Mike Alder in 2004. He named it after Isaac Newton to emphasize its sharp and decisive nature, using the imagery of a “flaming laser sword” for added emphasis (compared to the more established Occam’s Razor).
This concept is often used in discussions about science and philosophy, where some ideas can be purely theoretical or based on faith. Newton’s Flaming Laser Sword argues that if something can’t be tested or observed in the real world, then it might not be a productive area for debate.
The Duck Test
The duck test is a form of abductive reasoning. If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. If something seems a certain way, it probably is that way. Appearances can be deceiving, but usually what you see is what you get.
Tarzwell’s Razor
”Where there is passion the truth cannot be trusted.” — James Tarzwell
High emotion leads to high bias. Both science and the justice system hold that dispassion is at the core of their intentions.
Hitchen’s Razor
“What can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.“
Hitchens’ Razor, created by author Christopher Hitchens, argues that the burden of proof lies with the person making the claim. In simpler terms, if a claim can be asserted without evidence to support it, then it can also be dismissed without evidence to disprove it. This razor is particularly useful when dealing with extraordinary claims, religious beliefs, or other ideas that lack verifiable proof. It essentially suggests that the lack of evidence cancels out the initial claim itself.
Grice’s Razor
Address what people actually mean (their intent) when they speak, rather than addressing the literal meaning of the precise words they used. Do not take everything someone says literally and get into silly arguments over semantics or minor details, whilst completely missing the main point.
Hanlon’s Razor
“Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by incompetence or stupidity.“
Hanlon’s Razor offers a guiding principle for navigating misunderstandings and fostering positive interactions.
In simpler terms, when someone’s actions seem malicious, consider the possibility that it’s due to a lack of understanding, carelessness, or simple mistake rather than deliberate ill intent. This doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it encourages seeking clarification and assuming good intentions before jumping to conclusions. By practicing Hanlon’s Razor, we can build more positive and forgiving communication.
Slideshow version of this article explaining how to think critically and avoid logical fallacies
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