Philosophical Razor

By Miranda Dulin

Published in Glossary

December 30, 2023

1 min read

Definition of Philosophical Razor

A Philosophical Razor is a principle suggesting favoring the simplest explanation.

Back of a vocabulary card for the term Philosophical Razor

Example Sentence

Applying the philosophical razor, we arrived at the most straightforward conclusion.

Agile practitioners should acquaint themselves with the term “Philosophical Razor” due to its relevance in managing knowledge work amidst various cognitive biases. This principle advocates for favoring the simplest explanation, aligning with the Agile Manifesto’s principle of simplicity. Embracing simplicity encourages maximizing work that matters, enhancing the chances of delivering customer value by allowing teams to focus on essential tasks rather than getting entangled in unnecessary complexities. Understanding this concept aids practitioners in navigating complex decision-making processes within Agile, fostering a mindset that emphasizes efficient work delivery and customer-centric outcomes.