Simplicity, Inference and Modelling: Keeping it Sophisticatedly Simple

Zellner, Arnold [Editor]; Keuzenkamp, Hugo A. [Editor]; McAleer, Michael [Editor];

ISBN 10: 0521803616 / ISBN 13: 9780521803618

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2002

About this Item

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Seller Inventory # Q-0521803616

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Simplicity, Inference and Modelling: Keeping it Sophisticatedly Simple
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521803616
• ISBN 13: 9780521803618
• Binding: hardcover
• Condition: New
• Weight: 22 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

The idea that simplicity matters in science is as old as science itself, with the much cited example of Ockham's Razor. A problem with Ockham's Razor is that nearly everybody seems to accept it, but few are able to define its exact meaning and to make it operational in a non-arbitrary way. Using a multidisciplinary perspective including philosophers, mathematicians, econometricians and economists, this monograph examines simplicity by asking six questions: What is meant by simplicity? How is simplicity measured? Is there an optimum trade-off between simplicity and goodness-of-fit? What is the relation between simplicity and empirical modelling? What is the relation between simplicity and prediction? What is the connection between simplicity and convenience?

Book Description

The idea that simplicity matters in science is as old as science itself, with the much cited example of Ockham's Razor, 'entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem': entities are not to be multiplied beyond necessity. Using a multidisciplinary perspective this monograph asks six questions: What is meant by simplicity?, How is simplicity measured? Is there an optimum trade-off between simplicity and goodness-of-fit? What is is the relation between simplicity and empirical modelling? What is the relation between simplicity and prediction? What is the connection between simplicity and convenience?