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principle of economy

principle of economy In this historical aesthetic sense, the principle of economy is the view that something is beautiful or artistically effective when it contains only what is essential and leaves out anything unnecessary.

In this historical aesthetic sense, the principle of economy is the view that something is beautiful or artistically effective when it contains only what is essential and leaves out anything unnecessary. It also came to be linked with the idea that what avoids wasted effort or energy can appear more graceful or pleasing.

Also see

Sources

Drafting source: Baldwin Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology, 1901. 1901 New York Macmillan original; archive index checked 2026-10-18. “Economy (in aesthetics)” (Economy (in aesthetics)).
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PsychTerms (psychterms.org), CC BY 4.0, version 1. “principle of economy.” Development preview.

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