Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Solomonoff induction provably converges on reproducing any input function by only observing that function's outputs, and it formalizes Occam's razor as a key principle. I don't think it's fair to call it a heuristic anymore.


Occam's razor is formalized in Solomonoff induction but that doesn't mean that it is not still a useful heuristic in Science more generally.


Sure you can use the simpler version heuristically, but the OP's claim is that it is only a heuristic and not a valid logical inference. I'm saying we now have proof that it is logically valid to claim that one should prefer theories with fewer assumptions, all else being equal.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: