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Ockam's razor

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The simplest expression of scientific truth; where 2 theories exist to explain a similar phenomenon, the one making the fewest assumptions should prevail—i.e., it should be no more complicated than necessary. In keeping with Occam’s razor, generalisations should be based on observed facts and not on other generalisations
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Oc·kam's ra·zor

(ok'ămz rā'zŏr)
The principle of scientific parsimony. William of Ockam (14th century philosopher) stated it thus: "The assumptions introduced to explain a thing must not be multiplied beyond necessity."
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
References in periodicals archive
This rule is known as "Ockam's Razor" and has two active components, simplicity and usefulness.
A standard rebuttal to Ockam's Razor is that for any social or scientific issue there is always an explanation that is simple, brief, attractive and wrong.
Provided that the conclusions obtained are "useful," an advocate of Ockam's Razor would instinctively favor the economic approach over the holistic by virtue of its simplicity and its absence of interfering and unnecessary noise.
Ockam's Razor, economics and business client
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