1. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
    Boston Lad
    USA
    Joined
    14 Jul '07
    Moves
    43012
    03 Sep '13 18:46
    Occam's razor applied to internet forums

    "Occam's razor (also written as Ockham's razor from William of Ockham, and in Latin lex parsimoniae) is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in logic and problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected." (wiki)

    How often are we tempted to make assumptions about the members who've posted above us which are less than accurate. Little do we actually know of the family burdens and/or personal loads of life challenges they're shouldering. Be kind.
  2. Joined
    29 Dec '08
    Moves
    6788
    03 Sep '13 19:53
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    [b]Occam's razor applied to internet forums

    "Occam's razor (also written as Ockham's razor from William of Ockham, and in Latin lex parsimoniae) is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in logic and problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected." ...[text shortened]... the family burdens and/or personal loads of life challenges they're shouldering. Be kind.[/b]
    Your wise words seem to exemplify an additional principle: In the absence of a reason to do otherwise, make the most charitable assumptions about the people in your life.
  3. Standard memberChessPraxis
    Cowboy From Hell
    American West
    Joined
    19 Apr '10
    Moves
    55013
    03 Sep '13 20:26
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    [b]Occam's razor applied to internet forums

    "Occam's razor (also written as Ockham's razor from William of Ockham, and in Latin lex parsimoniae) is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in logic and problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected." ...[text shortened]... the family burdens and/or personal loads of life challenges they're shouldering. Be kind.[/b]
    I don't go for those off brand name products. Gillette or Wilkinson Sword for this face pal.
  4. Joined
    14 Mar '04
    Moves
    175877
    03 Sep '13 21:00
    Originally posted by ChessPraxis
    I don't go for those off brand name products. Gillette or Wilkinson Sword for this face pal.
    Strop those blades.
  5. New Braunfels, Texas
    Joined
    22 Aug '07
    Moves
    72283
    03 Sep '13 22:031 edit
    Originally posted by Great Big Stees
    ...Strop those blades....
    Sorry what does this mean? I'm not familiar with gay slang. 😛
  6. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
    Boston Lad
    USA
    Joined
    14 Jul '07
    Moves
    43012
    04 Sep '13 01:05
    Originally posted by JS357
    Your wise words seem to exemplify an additional principle: In the absence of a reason to do otherwise, make the most charitable assumptions about the people in your life.
    Yes, we seldom go very far wrong in giving the benefit of doubt along with having the capacity and readiness to forgive.
  7. Joined
    16 Feb '08
    Moves
    116793
    04 Sep '13 02:50
    Now you are contradicting yourself GB. How can a decision process based on "the benefit of the doubt" be congruent with having the least assumptions?
  8. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
    Boston Lad
    USA
    Joined
    14 Jul '07
    Moves
    43012
    04 Sep '13 02:52
    Originally posted by divegeester
    Now you are contradicting yourself GB. How can a decision process based on "the benefit of the doubt" be congruent with having the least assumptions?
    "How can a decision process based on "the benefit of the doubt" be congruent with having the least assumptions?'

    One assumption is made: innocent of circumstances (until proven otherwise).
  9. Joined
    16 Feb '08
    Moves
    116793
    04 Sep '13 03:28
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    "How can a decision process based on "the benefit of the doubt" be congruent with having the least assumptions?'

    One assumption is made: innocent of circumstances (until proven otherwise).
    What if there are several indicatives of guilt. Wouldn't one be making several assumptions that lead to one conclusion?
  10. Standard memberHandyAndy
    Read a book!
    Joined
    23 Sep '06
    Moves
    18677
    04 Sep '13 03:36
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    [b]Occam's razor applied to internet forums

    "Occam's razor (also written as Ockham's razor from William of Ockham, and in Latin lex parsimoniae) is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in logic and problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected." ...[text shortened]... the family burdens and/or personal loads of life challenges they're shouldering. Be kind.[/b]
    If Occam's razor is applied to human relationships, whether in cyberspace or at the corner
    saloon, it becomes necessary to disregard any personal attribute or quality that cannot be
    directly observed. Every assumption, be it charitable or not, must be ignored.

    Still think it's a good idea?
  11. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
    Boston Lad
    USA
    Joined
    14 Jul '07
    Moves
    43012
    04 Sep '13 03:38
    Originally posted by divegeester
    What if there are several indicatives of guilt. Wouldn't one be making several assumptions that lead to one conclusion?
    We begin by giving the benefit of doubt; if indications of culpability become
    apparent and accrue, a second assumption is made: we were wrong.
  12. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
    Boston Lad
    USA
    Joined
    14 Jul '07
    Moves
    43012
    04 Sep '13 03:40
    Originally posted by HandyAndy
    If Occam's razor is applied to human relationships, whether in cyberspace or at the corner
    saloon, it becomes necessary to disregard any personal attribute or quality that cannot be
    directly observed. Every assumption, be it charitable or not, must be ignored.

    Still think it's a good idea?
    Andy, I'm exhausted. Let me sleep on your premise. Thanks.
  13. Standard memberHandyAndy
    Read a book!
    Joined
    23 Sep '06
    Moves
    18677
    04 Sep '13 03:422 edits
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    [b]Occam's razor applied to internet forums

    "Occam's razor (also written as Ockham's razor from William of Ockham, and in Latin lex parsimoniae) is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in logic and problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected." the family burdens and/or personal loads of life challenges they're shouldering. Be kind.[/b]
    Sorry.. re-sent accidentally.
  14. Joined
    29 Dec '08
    Moves
    6788
    04 Sep '13 04:241 edit
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    "How can a decision process based on "the benefit of the doubt" be congruent with having the least assumptions?'

    One assumption is made: innocent of circumstances (until proven otherwise).
    Look out for scams, though.
  15. SubscriberPianoman1
    Nil desperandum
    Seedy piano bar
    Joined
    09 May '08
    Moves
    279307
    04 Sep '13 06:021 edit
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    [b]Occam's razor applied to internet forums

    "Occam's razor (also written as Ockham's razor from William of Ockham, and in Latin lex parsimoniae) is a principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in logic and problem-solving. It states that among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected." the family burdens and/or personal loads of life challenges they're shouldering. Be kind.[/b]
    As I understand the principle of Occam's Razor, it states that of any competing hypotheses the [I] simplest [/i] should always be chosen. It has been argued that a circle of matted grass could have been made either by a landing space ship or a wooden board. They are both assumptions, but the wooden board is the simplest hypothesis and so would, using the principle of Occam's Razor, be the assumed cause. As applied to Internet forums the most charitable hypothesis is not always the simplest!
Back to Top

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.I Agree