Aphorisms

Question 1

Occam’s razor

Answer 1

Select among competing hypotheses the one which makes the fewest assumptions (or K.I.S.S.: keep it simple, stupid, or “don’t go hunting for zebras in the horse corral”)

Question 2

Hickam’s dictum

Answer 2

“Patients can have as many diseases as they damn well please” (counter to Occam’s razor)

Question 3

Sutton’s law

Answer 3

Perform first the diagnostic test expected to be most useful

Question 4

Hanlon’s razor

Answer 4

Never attribute to malice that which can more easily be attributed to stupidity

Question 5

Hitchen’s razor

Answer 5

That which can be asserted without evidence can be disregarded without evidence