Example: The virtue of courage lies between cowardice and rashness.
Insight: The golden mean is central in Aristotle's concept of virtue. It is often mistaken as a call for moderation, but this is not his meaning. According to Aristotle the meaning is defined with reference to reason or context.
Reference: Aristotle: "Virtue, then, is a state of character concerned with choice, lying in the mean which is defined by reference to reason. It is a mean between two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency."
Definition: Where two or more hypotheses are given as explanation, it is reasonable to accept the simplest one, with the fewest unsupported assumptions.
Insight: The idea is that we should shave off any unnecessary assumptions from a theory.
Insight: Sometimes known as the principle of parsimony. Always choose the simplest explanation, all else being equal.
Insight: We should not assume that the simplest explanation is correct, just that it is more likely to be true, until there is more evidence.
Insight: In computer programming and other fields the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Stupid.
Reference: Named after William of Occam, 14th century philosopher.
Example: People change greatly over a lifetime. There is little in common between a 2 year old and 90 year old. Are they the same person?
Insight: The Paradox is a problem of identity.
Definition: A process whereby limited resources, regarded as common property to all humans, falls under a common ownership that leads to over-exploitation and ruin.
Reference: Garrett Hardin, 1974 paper - well-meaning but misguided policies that grant everyone access without sufficient property rights could create a tragedy of the commons.
Reference: Garrett Hardin: 1968 - "Ruin is the destination toward which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all."
Insight: When the Earth's resources - air, water, fish, are treated as commons, there is no proper stewardship. and ruin will follow.
