Simplicity in the Best Systems Account of Laws of Nature

This article discusses the role of simplicity and the notion of a best balance of simplicity and strength within the best systems account (BSA) of laws of nature. The article explores whether there is anything in scientific practice that corresponds to the notion of simplicity or to the trade-off between simplicity and strength to which the BSA appeals. Various theoretical rationales for simplicity preferences and their bearing on the identification of laws are also explored. It is concluded that there are a number of issues about the role of simplicity within the BSA and its relation to strength that need to be addressed before the BSA can be regarded as an adequate account of laws. 1 Introduction 2 The Best Systems Account 3 The Trade-Off between Simplicity and Strength: Preliminary Considerations 4 Alternative Conceptions of the Relationship between Simplicity and Strength 5 Two Roles for Simplicity 6 Simplicity in the Best Systems Account: Curve-Fitting 7 Simplicity as a Corrective for Overfitting 8 Descriptive Simplicity in the Best Systems Account? 9 Simplicity as Due to Human Intellectual Limitations 10 Summary 11 Concluding Remarks