Question

According to Chapter 2.4, parsimony, a characteristic associated with good theories, means:

a. The theory is as comprehensive as possible.
b. The theory is as simple as possible.
c. Those who hold the theory should be able to describe evidence that would cause them to abandon it.
d. All of these answers are true.
e. The theory is hard to understand.

Answer 1

In Chapter 2.4, parsimony refers to the quality of a theory being as simple as possible, which aligns with the principle of Occam's Razor used in scientific theories and phylogenetics to choose the simplest explanations.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Chapter 2.4, parsimony, a characteristic associated with good theories, means that the theory is as simple as possible. In the context of scientific theories, parsimony, often referred to as Occam's Razor, is the principle where the simplest explanation that fits the facts is preferred. This concept is particularly useful in phylogenetics, where scientists employ the principle of maximum parsimony to deduce evolutionary relationships by selecting the simplest tree that aligns with genetic or morphological data. For instance, in the study of evolutionary pathways, the principle implies selecting the tree that has the fewest number of character reversals, independent character changes, or character changes throughout. Hence, the correct answer is 'b. The theory is as simple as possible.'