Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M6170

Hitchens's Razor

Hitchens's Razor
StructureHigh supportLogic
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

“What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.” The burden of proof always lies with the one making the claim.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Refuse to prove a negative. In debates or public relations crises, if the other party makes unfounded accusations (e.g., “you have a guilty conscience”), do not fall into the trap of trying to prove your innocence. Directly invoke Hitchens's razor: provide evidence, or I will not comment.

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Anchor fast decisions

Hitchens's razor: “What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.” It is a complement to Occam's razor regarding the burden of proof.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitchens%27s_razorZH · Explicit
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