Antirazor
An antirazor is an argument in informal logic stating that if an explanation is too simple to explain the evidence, then one must develop a more complex solution. It is a opposed to Occam's razor.
Various antirazor arguments have been made.
Antirazor Arguments
The most famous antirazor is "Chatton's antirazor." Walter of Chatton was a contemporary of William of Ockham (1287–1347) who took exception to Occam's razor and Ockham's use of it. In response he devised his own anti-razor:
| “ | If three things are not enough to verify an affirmative proposition about things, a fourth must be added, and so on. | ” |
Anti-razors have also been created by Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), and Karl Menger (1902-1985). Kant felt a need to moderate the effects of Occam's razor and thus created his own counter-razor:
| “ | The variety of beings should not rashly be diminished. | ” |
Karl Menger found mathematicians to be too parsimonious with regard to variables so he formulated his Law Against Miserliness which took one of two forms:
| “ | Entities must not be reduced to the point of inadequacy. | ” |
| “ | It is vain to do with fewer what requires more. | ” |
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