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Occam's razor

Occam's razor is a logical principle attributed to the mediaeval philosopher William of Occam (or Ockham). The principle states that one should not make more assumptions than the minimum needed. This principle is often called the principle of parsimony. It underlies all scientific modelling and theory building. It admonishes us to choose from a set of otherwise equivalent models of a given phenomenon the simplest one. In any given model, Occam's razor helps us to "shave off" those concepts, variables or constructs that are not really needed to explain the phenomenon. By doing that, developing the model will become much easier, and there is less chance of introducing inconsistencies, ambiguities and redundancies. Though the principle may seem rather trivial, it is essential for model building because of what is known as the "underdetermination of theories by data". For a given set of observations or data, there is always an infinite number of possible models explaining those same data. This is because a model normally represents an infinite number of possible cases, of which the observed cases are only a finite subset. The non-observed cases are inferred by postulating general rules covering both actual and potential observations. For example, through two data points in a diagram you can always draw a straight line, and induce that all further observations will lie on that line. However, you could also draw an infinite variety of the most complicated curves passing through those same two points, and these curves would fit the empirical data just as well. Only Occam's razor would in this case guide you in choosing the "straight" (i.e. linear) relation as best candidate model. A similar reasoning can be made for n data points lying in any kind of distribution. Occam's razor is especially important for universal models such as the ones developed in General Systems Theory, mathematics or philosophy, because there the subject domain is of an unlimited complexity. If one starts with too complicated foundations for a theory that potentially encompasses the universe, the chances of getting any manageable model are very slim indeed. Moreover, the principle is sometimes the only remaining guideline when entering domains of such a high level of abstraction that no concrete tests or observations can decide between rival models. In mathematical modelling of systems, the principle can be made more concrete in the form of the principle of uncertainty maximization: from your data, induce that model which minimizes the number of additional assumptions. This principle is part of epistemology, and can be motivated by the requirement of maximal simplicity of cognitive models. However, its significance might be extended to metaphysics if it is interpreted as saying that simpler models are more likely to be correct than complex ones, in other words, that "nature" prefers simplicity.

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The Urban Dictionary Mug

Ceramic mug (11 oz)
Printed on-demand just for you
Dishwasher safe
Microwave safe
Word on front, definition on back
Comfortable handle
Every order personally reviewed
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I bought this mug for my daughter for Valentine’s Day. She saw the different descriptions of her name on your site, and read every one of them!! She then found a mug with everything written about her name on it. So, I am surprising her with it. The mug looks great. Quick delivery!

Toni B.Feb 5
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Review by Gloria Rose F.

I live in a Hillbilly Condo & love my flamingo pink mug.

Gloria Rose F.Feb 5
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Annie from the customer service team helped me out tremendously with some adjustments that I wanted done after my order was placed. I really appreciate her willingness to go above and beyond for my request. The product was received exactly how I wanted it! One happy customer over here. Thanks!

Jay B.Feb 4
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I love the item I ordered but found the website a little difficult to navigate.

Jean C.Feb 4
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Now this has been my favourite mug by far. I put the word of scrunkly on it just as i had envisioned. Now to know why i picked a scrunkly mug, we need to go back all the way to the year of 2016. It was a day like no other, the birds were tweeting. We were all laughing while playing in the playground. Then came that fateful moment. A cackle was heard screeching throughout the lands. I turned my head in complete and utter fear. Two seagulls stood there. One was cackling while a red liquid dropped from its mouth. The head of the seagull next to it was missing. The seagull had consumed its friend's head! A betrayal, no... a parley even! To this day I still hear the words which left that evil beast's beak. It said, "Awww, the scrunkly". It then flew off into the sunset, leaving nothing but chaos and carnage behind. Anyways 10/10 for the mug. Would buy again.

ethan v.Feb 3

Came in like ordered, solid mug

Clayton Y.Feb 3
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The mug arrived as shown and expected. But, it is an average mug and the cost is quite high. It's funny and good as a one time gift. If we needed several, the cost would be prohibited. Again, funny product and as expected.

Mark C.Feb 3
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Love it. I can't wait to give it as a gift yo

AT&T A.Feb 2
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This is lafayetti yummi yum yum Oui oui mon ami je m'appelle lafayette The lancelot of the revolutionary set I came from afar just to say "Bonsoir" Tell the king "Casse toi" Who's the best C'est moi

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de LafayetteFeb 2

Awesome purchase, I can't wait to show off my "Progressively Straight" mug at Starbucks.

KC H.Feb 1
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Mug was delivered undamaged just as ordered.

Eugene H.Feb 1
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My order came quickly. Packaged well. Great job.

Cheryl Q.Jan 31
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IT WAS MUG! CAME QUICK & SAID THING. HAVE NOT TASTED YET. NOT SMELL BAD, BUT DISHWASHER NONETHE LESS....

paul j.Jan 29
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Henceforth, I am unable to leave a negative review for this amazing cup.

D D.Jan 29

Good quality, just as pictured. Very pleased with it!

Lisa B.Jan 28
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Having my first cup of coffee in the new cup. Good idea to add new terms through individual contributions.

Bette M.Jan 27
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Review by Patrick M.

10/10 Looks exactly like the preview. Shipping was fast.

Patrick M.Jan 27
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This is for my granddaughter whom I used to call cutie patootie until she found out another meaning for patootie. Then she didn’t like the name so much! This will be a perfect gift for her! She is 16.

Kathy T.Jan 26
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Love the cups :) It reminds us of our sweet momma. I thought everyone knew the word "mommicked" but evidently it is an Eastern North Carolina thing...My sisters and I all married Northerner/ Yankees and they had never heard of the word. Thank you for a tender memory.

Patricia F.Jan 26
✓ Verified Purchase

Cup came in one piece and looks as nice as it does in the picture! Only note is just be mindful of any typos in the description of the definition, they will show up on the cup too! Other than that, no complaints!

David I.Jan 25
✓ Verified Purchase
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