Occam’s razor in an era of declining public trust

The venerable principle known as “Occam’s razor,” attributed to the 14th-century English philosopher and theologian William of Ockham, asserts that when confronted with multiple possible explanations for a causal phenomenon, the simplest explanation is -- absent persuasive evidence to the contrary -- usually correct.

Although hardly foolproof or comprehensive, Occam’s razor has the benefit of simpl…