Examples:

1. The virtue of courage lies between cowardice and rashness.

Insights:

1. 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.

References:

1. 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:

1. Where two or more hypotheses are given as explanation, it is reasonable to accept the simplest one, with the fewest unsupported assumptions.

Insights:

1. The idea is that we should shave off any unnecessary assumptions from a theory.
2. Sometimes known as the principle of parsimony. Always choose the simplest explanation, all else being equal.
3. We should not assume that the simplest explanation is correct, just that it is more likely to be true, until there is more evidence.
4. In computer programming and other fields the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Stupid.

References:

1. Named after William of Occam, 14th century philosopher.

Examples:

1. 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?

Insights:

1. The Paradox is a problem of identity.

Definition:

1. A process whereby limited resources, regarded as common property to all humans, falls under a common ownership that leads to over-exploitation and ruin.

References:

1. Garrett Hardin, 1974 paper - well-meaning but misguided policies that grant everyone access without sufficient property rights could create a tragedy of the commons.
2. 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."

Insights:

1. When the Earth's resources - air, water, fish, are treated as commons, there is no proper stewardship. and ruin will follow.