Occam’s razor – also known as lex parsimoniae – is a problem solving principle stating that among competing hypotheses that predict equally well, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected. Ockham stated the principle in various ways, but the most popular version, “Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity” (Non sunt multiplicanda entia sine necessitate) was formulated by the Irish Franciscan philosopher John Punch. Today it’s commonly taken to mean that the simplest solution to a problem is the best or most correct one.

Okay… so is the simplest solution to the problem of shaving a semi-disposable piece of plastic and metal that requires a lot of machinery to assemble, or is it a single steel blade securely held in a solid metal razor that lasts several lifetimes?