Astronomy Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

Occam's Razor is a fundamental principle in philosophy and science that posits that when faced with competing hypotheses or explanations, one should select the one that makes the fewest assumptions. This principle emphasizes simplicity and advocates for models that explain the phenomena using the least complex reasoning. In scientific inquiry, simpler models are often preferred because they are easier to test, understand, and apply. For example, when examining various theories of the universe's formation, a simpler theory with fewer variables is favored over a more complex one, unless evidence suggests otherwise.

Conversely, while Newton's Law and Einstein's Theory are significant in their own rights, they do not specifically address the simplicity of models in comparison to Occam's Razor. The Scientific Method outlines the process of scientific inquiry but does not focus on the principle of simplicity in model construction. Thus, the relevance of Occam's Razor in guiding scientific explanation and theory selection confirms its correctness as the answer to the question.