Is There Always a Trade-off Between Accuracy and Simplicity? Essay Example

The acquisition of human knowledge is surrounded with the ability to notice regularities and facts that are already based on previous and prevailing knowledge and information. It is not a process of learning new information but an acquisition of existing information waiting to be absorbed and applied by an individual. It is still apparent, however, that there is a fine line between knowledge, accuracy and simplicity that needs to be analyzed. The phrase “there is trade-off between accuracy and simplicity” can be adduced by saying that knowledge can be acquired either through accuracy or simplicity. One person can learn about something by being technical while another person can learn about the same thing through simplicity and in the phrase “in knowledge there is always a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity” one tramples the other and knowledge is attained either through accuracy or simplicity. Accuracy might refer to the truthfulness of the knowledge while simplicity is referred to as the gaining of knowledge in the absence of details. The question then is which form of knowledge acquisition is the right way. Or is there really a right way to learning? In order to understand this, there is a need to define accuracy and simplicity and relate them to knowledge.

Simplicity can be defined as the main implausibility because it is nothing but the decently rational and logical thought or perception of a moderately narrow range. To say that such definition is correct implies that the concept and the acquisition of knowledge are always seeking for the establishment of the simplest decree or law. This is founded on the idea that the simplest form of knowledge has more to say and has a greater value on the cognitive level. Therefore, the understanding of particular information does not make it the truth. Hence, it can be said that simplicity in knowledge is a determinant of the level of supposition and proposition. There is a way to learn and acquire knowledge with the utilization of simplicity and not just through learning the accurate and absolute truth.

It is in this regard why a straight line in a linear equation in mathematics is simpler to understand than conic segments. Simplicity takes on the form of a narrower variety but with higher doubtfulness. It is in this very reason that 1+1=2 is easier to understand than 1+0+0+1+0+0=2+0. Both of these equations are true and correct except that the second equation is more precise and accurate. However, learning these equations prove that the simpler form and simple representation make it easier to understand and learn. Even when people consider the given equations, the chance of adopting the first equation is higher than the second one. For some reason, the mind tends to accept the reality of the simple terms in life rather than be accurate especially when it will only yield one and the same result in the end: acquisition of knowledge and truth.

Accuracy, on the other hand, speaks of a more verified and technical form of acquired knowledge. This means that accuracy speaks of the details behind the information. For example, in order to watch a television, one has to turn it on and it will be as simple as that. However, if one wants to be technical about it, turning the television would mean getting the remote control, turn the television on, and describe how the radio waves are getting picked up by the antenna then to the transmitter and to the back of the television and to the screen. All the mechanism involved in how television works is described. Now that is some accurate information. It can also be said that there is power in the details of information. Meaning to say, the more someone know will result to a stronger ability to debate, expound and explain a certain phenomenon or issue. Another example would be a debate on the occurrence of the Great War which is also known as World War 1. Someone can easily argue that the Great War happened because Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated. However, to accurately argue how the Great War started, one must consider all the factual information and the events that led to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand.

Accuracy, therefore, is a matter of having an in-depth knowledge about issues and topics rather than accepting information based on face-value. Factual information that can support ones claims and theory is the foundation of an accurate knowledge. It goes beyond simple terms in ascertaining truth and in learning. Some people prefer accuracy, some people do not. Therefore, “in knowledge there is always a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity”.

Elucidating further, take for example the utilization of the concept of simplicity in knowledge in the areas of mathematics and science. A lot of people desire simplicity in these very complex areas. The preference is that the mathematics models and scientific theory be kept simple without compromising the verified truth behind, the accuracy of the information contained and the intended meaning behind it. The simplification of mathematical equations allows for the students to arrive in the same correct answers without following the mathematical rules and principles. In the same manner that in the field of science it is easier to say that the meeting of the sperm and the egg causes pregnancy. It is true and simple to understand without going into the exact scientific process of pregnancy. In both the areas of mathematics and science, simplification allows for the removal of details that will only hinder comprehension. This is also particularly true in the field of arts among the many areas of knowledge. It is said that art is relative. The definition and meaning of it lies in the eyes of the beholder. To define and determine the meaning behind a certain art piece can be achieved through accuracy or simplicity. An art piece can be interpreted based on the emotion of an individual without taking into account the explanatory variable behind the artistic expression of the artist. However, being accurate would mean taking into consideration all the variables such as the motivation that caused the artist to create the art piece, the contextual aspect of the creation, and the real meaning of the subject.

Simplicity in this example means that the art piece is interpreted just as how the audience sees it to be. But then again, there are still factors affecting the simplicity of knowledge in this aspect. These factors can be the emotional state of the audience, their predisposition, and overall motivation. Therefore, it is clear that when the variables pertaining to the accuracy of knowledge in this context will create a model or a theory. Yet, to take away such variables will result to simplification. The interpretation changes alongside. Yet, it is dependent on the audience. This does not affect the result because art is relative. However, accuracy and simplicity has a direct relationship and impact on precise areas of knowledge such as economics and mathematics.

When a theory or a model is created by virtue of the aforementioned variables, the information becomes undesirable such as to say that slavery is the cause of Great War. It is one of the causes but it was not the trigger. Whether it is liked or not, some variables of information also contribute to the exertion and complexity of the information which in reality can be simplified but it can cause the desirability of the information or the truth behind it. But if the variables are removed and yet the theory or model still works just the same, the removal is fine. In the case of the given equations of 1+1=2 and 1+0+0+1+0+0=2+0, it is recommended that the simplest form be adopted as the two theories and models yielded the same result.

Moreover, the main basis for picking simplicity over accuracy can be compared to giving directions to the bathroom in one’s house. One can simply say “go straight then turn left” or “it is upstairs, first door to your left”. There is no need for GPS coordinates. It is easy to learn, easy to understand and easy to make applications. In the field of Mathematics, mathematical equations and algebraic expressions are hard to read let alone be understood. Communication fails most of the time due to the lack of familiarity. The students and teachers are finding it hard to understand all the models and theories involved.

Hence, it will be easier to determine what information works and what does not. The downfall on being accurate is that there is an overabundance of information that causes confusion. The impossibility of determining which works and which does not is also higher. This is not to say that there is no need for accuracy. History will not be properly understood without the factual information. Even in the field of economics, economists cannot rely on their emotions or their personal experiences in determining how to stabilize the economy. Rather, they need a solid and accurate interpretation of the economic movements and a real-time interpretation of factors affecting the economy based on its impact.

With all the foregoing, it can be concluded that there is always a trade-off between accuracy and simplicity in knowledge. There may be instances wherein a theory can be accurately learned and simplified. But the simplified form is preferred in such cases. It is all dependent on the individuals. One can find it easier to acquire knowledge with accuracy and there will be people who will prefer simplified versions that actually works.