Hanlon’s razor is a simple yet useful rule of thumb: don’t assume bad intentions when someone’s actions can just as easily be explained by a lack of understanding or carelessness.
In other words: “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”
As a philosophical razor (a tool for quickly ruling out less likely explanations) it helps us avoid unnecessary suspicion by favoring simpler, non-malicious reasons for mistakes or problems, since that is often the more likely cause of trouble.
Online Resources
- Hanlon’s razor / Wikipedia
- Hanlon’s Razor / The Decision Lab
- Hanlon’s Razor: Not Everyone is Out to Get You / fs
Please Note: This is my personal summary of the topic, shared both for my own records and in the hope it may be helpful to you. AI was used in parts to assist with the process.