Talk:razor

I'm removing the definition: "A rule of thumb or general principal, e.g. Occam's razor."

I searched all the dictionaries at onelook[1] and none use it that way. "Razor" in "Occam's razor" seems to be a metaphor (i.e. an instrument to shave away superfluous theories).

Razor: not a metaphor

I doubt that the "razor" in Occcam's razor is a metaphor for shaving away etc. Chambers 20th Century dictionary defines it as "a critically balanced situation." The are other principles called razors which do not deal with metaphorical shaving. I think you should reinstate the alternative definition as it's the only reference I could find to it anywhere on the 'net.

The razor in Occam’s razor refers to the act of shaving away unnecessary assumptions to get to the simplest explanation. —Stephen 08:05, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Then what about Hanlon's Razor? DrJorin 00:01, 28 July 2009 (UTC)

A similar use of razor, but a different metaphor and meaning. Using Hanlon's razor, assume stupidity before malice. —Stephen 00:36, 28 July 2009 (UTC)