Michael D. Alder[1] is an Australian mathematician, formerly an assistant professor at the University of Western Australia.
[2] Alder is known for his popular writing, such as sardonic articles about the lack of basic arithmetic skills in young adults.
[6] The principle, which addresses the differing views of scientists and philosophers on epistemology and knowledge, was summarized by Alder as follows:[6] In its weakest form it says that we should not dispute propositions unless they can be shown by precise logic and/or mathematics to have observable consequences.
In its strongest form it demands a list of observable consequences and a formal demonstration that they are indeed consequences of the proposition claimed.The razor is humorously named after Isaac Newton, as it is inspired by Newtonian thought and is called a "flaming laser sword", because it is "much sharper and more dangerous than Occam's razor".
[6] Alder writes that the average scientist does not hold philosophy in high regard, considering it "somewhere between sociology and literary criticism".