Which principle argues that the simplest explanation is often the best?

The principle that asserts the simplest explanation is often the best is known as the Argument from simplicity, also referred to as Occam's Razor. This principle promotes the idea that when faced with competing hypotheses or explanations for a phenomenon, one should favor the one that makes the fewest assumptions. It emphasizes simplicity in explaining observed facts and suggests that unnecessary complexities should be avoided unless a more complex explanation can convincingly account for the observations.

This reasoning is particularly valuable in fields such as science and philosophy, as simpler theories are typically easier to test and validate. It aligns with a general philosophical inclination towards minimalism and efficiency in theory-building, encouraging thinkers to seek out explanations that are straightforward and directly aligned with observed evidence. This preference for simplicity is rooted in the belief that complicated explanations can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of data.