Menu
Find simplest explanation that fits all the facts
Install with Codex or Claude Copy this prompt, paste it into Codex, Claude, or another assistant, and let it review the skill page and install it for you.
Based on SOC occupation classification
Save current session state mid-session — faster than /whats-next, designed for crash recovery
Apply engineering principles to code or design — DRY, KISS, SRP, YAGNI, phased delivery
Surface assumptions collaboratively before proceeding — beginner's mind, invoked depth
Analyze the current conversation and create a handoff document for continuing this work in a fresh context
Gather requirements through adaptive questioning before executing any task
Evaluate decisions across three time horizons
| name | consider-occams-razor |
| description | Find simplest explanation that fits all the facts |
| argument-hint | [situation or leave blank for current context] |
Among competing explanations, prefer the one with fewest assumptions. Simplest ≠ easiest; simplest = fewest moving parts.
1. List all possible explanations or approaches 2. For each, count the assumptions required 3. Identify which assumptions are actually supported by evidence 4. Eliminate explanations requiring unsupported assumptions 5. Select the simplest that still explains all observed facts<output_format> Candidate Explanations:
Evidence Check:
Simplest Valid Explanation: [The one with fewest unsupported assumptions]
Why This Wins: [What it explains without extra machinery] </output_format>
<success_criteria>
