Simplicity

Simplicity, and simplicity is a condition which is characterized in that few factors contribute to its occurrence or existence, and the fact that the interaction of these factors can be described by only a few rules. This simplicity is the opposite of complexity. In the scientific logic of the principle, with as few elements as possible, so to explain a given set of facts under the greatest possible avoid complex causal chains is considered.

Assessment

Simplicity can be assessed both positive and negative.

Simplicity is highly desirable, if it can be achieved as much as possible with few resources. Then it is a synonym for minimalism, clarity or simplicity ( less is more ). Ancient philosophers demanded that a true theory not only beautiful should be (in the sense of a logical, cohesive structure) and good ( that is, functional and practical to implement ), but also easy. This view also Albert Einstein.

In the musical aesthetics of the early classical simplicity became the ideal of composition, which replaced the overloaded baroque style. The eight-bar period became the basic unit of the compositional record. Also in the song-writing simplicity became the ideal, which was based on simply structured folk songs. The new simplicity is a vague term for compositions since the late 1970s, no longer based on the artificial complexity of twelve-tone music, serialism and atonality.

Paintings of modern art are characterized as often by a simple structure. Here simplicity is considered aesthetically (eg composition of large solid squares with Mark Rothko ).

Furthermore, many modern people often strive for simplicity in lifestyle, eg when eating or on vacation as a contrast to the confusing complex perceived modern life and professional life.

On the other hand, applies simplicity as bad, if in a particular area of complexity is the ideal. So a simple person like to be perceived by others as uninteresting or even stupid.