Mathematics Seek Parsimony, Not Simplicity
The title is inspired from Simon's paper of 2002, "Science seeks parsimony, not simplicity: searching for pattern in phenomena". In his paper, the author explains that science looks for parsimonious paradigms that are meaningful and that create added value to the scientific community. Many scientists believe that simplicity is a crucial element in their quest for knowledge. The order, which is found in chaos, it is thought, facilitates understanding, prediction and intervention. The idea that simplicity matters in mathematics is as old as mathematics itself. Mathematics is not some kind of opaque, untrustworthy black magic. Nor is it an infallible solution to every dilemma. It’s just a set of ideas, which can help us understand our world. As with any subject, some bits are difficult and some are surprisingly easy. But in the words of mathematician Stan Gudder, "The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple....