Occam's Razor(or the Principle of Parsimony) is often considered a response to Plato's Theory of Forms. Occam's Razor is a HEURISTIC claiming that if two theories are equally supported by evidence then the more simple one is probably the correct one. Yet, simplicity is an abstract idea. Could that be an overlap between the Platonist Theory of Forms and the Principle of Parsimony?
Plato's Theory of Forms and Occam's Razor are two philosophical and intellectual concepts that, on the surface, may appear quite different, but they do share some similarities when it comes to their approach to simplicity and abstract ideas.
Plato's Theory of Forms:Plato's Theory of Forms, also known as the Theory of Ideas, posits that there is a realm of abstract, unchanging, and perfect Forms or Ideas that exist independently of the physical world. According to Plato, the physical world we perceive is an imperfect and ever-changing reflection or imitation of these perfect Forms. For example, there is a perfect Form of a "circle" that exists in the realm of Forms, and all the imperfect circles we see in the physical world are mere copies or approximations of this ideal Form.
Occam's Razor:Occam's Razor is a principle of simplicity often attributed to the medieval philosopher and theologian William of Ockham. It states that when presented with multiple competing hypotheses or explanations, the simplest one is usually the best or most likely. In other words, Occam's Razor suggests that one should not multiply entities or assumptions beyond necessity. It encourages a preference for simplicity and parsimony in scientific and philosophical explanations.
Overlap Between the Two:While Plato's Theory of Forms and Occam's Razor are distinct concepts, there is a potential overlap in their emphasis on simplicity and abstract ideas:
However, it's important to note that there are also significant differences between the two:
- Plato's Theory of Forms is metaphysical and concerns the nature of reality, positing the existence of a separate realm of abstract Forms. In contrast, Occam's Razor is a practical principle used for guiding reasoning and problem-solving, particularly in scientific inquiry.
- Plato's Theory of Forms deals with the relationship between the abstract and the concrete, while Occam's Razor deals with the selection of hypotheses or explanations based on simplicity.
In summary, while Plato's Theory of Forms and Occam's Razor are distinct concepts with different purposes and contexts, they share a common thread in their appreciation of simplicity, reductionism, and the role of abstract ideas in understanding the world. However, they address these ideas from different philosophical perspectives and for different purposes.
Given the Principle of Parsimony, Plato's Theory of Forms at least seems like the most likely afterlife(minus reincarnation because morality is objective but relative because symmetry always stays the same while risks change). The perishable no longer perishes after having perished. In other words, the perishable becomes the imperishable. If time is an illusion then all that recognizes real reality are abstract ideas. So when living beings deceased they become abstract ideas.
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