Is Parsimony always a good thing?
Parsimony. My Biotechnology and Society teacher once used to tell us during exams : "Only 27 words or less, the simpler, the better. " But is this really so?
Parsimony, in the context of theories (whether scientific or rhetorical) is a rule which states that ideas/ thoughts need not to be multiplied or repeated. In communication theories, Parsimony is applied when the simplest between two or more theories is preferred to explain phenomena.
To someone who loves a simple life, this may sound good, if not great. But there's a bit of a downside to this simpliciter frenzy. Yes, it eliminates the rough and chaotic world of confusion, but should really be content of this twisted image of simplicity? No.
Just imagine a world where theories need not to be expanded just because of the justification that theory X is simpler compared to theory Y even if it does not necessarily explain the phenomena. The irony: instead of having a simpler world, chaos breeds in.
In the classroom setting, for example. A certain student may ask the teacher about certain measurements of a right triangle, thus the Pythagorean Theorem is needed; but, instead, because of the Parsimonial premise, the teacher then would not mind to explain that a2+b2 = c2 but rather just blabber that 1+1 = 2. Why? because it is simpler. Period. No fuss.
So, what's the point? Mediocrity. Even sometimes, degradation of standards. Really, in a chaotic world, who would not want a simple life? But what if this simplicity would cause the human mind to just nod and believe what's there already- again, just because it's simple. Some may find this as "kill joy" but the reality is far more than that. We are made with a constantly seeking and critical mind in a constantly expanding Universe.
Another thing is that Parsimony limits the individuals from discovering their talents, personality and other equally important factors that cushion the growth of humanistic being. Bob Ong once wrote in his book, Stainless Longganissa, that it is "just fine to grow old, be tall and do nothing- if you are a tree, that is!" The same thing is true with Parsimony, it's okay to choose the simpler ones than the complex theories and be content with it as long as you are a tree. I'm not a tree.
Thus, Parsimony, although it may sound really nice, but no thanks, anyway. Constant searching for the truth and critical analysis should always be observed. It is a de facto duty for everyone to scrutinize and weight down things to their true measure.
You have a thing that weighs three pounds inside that skull, it's called "brain", don't just be content, contend. Use it.
word count: 452
