Abstract
I found the duel between Brian Pitts and Robert Gentry (PSCF 56, no. 4 [Dec. 2004]: 260-84) interesting but tortuous. With energy conservation at issue, Pitts writes: "While it is true that the photons lose energy, the energy is transferred to the gravitational field" (p. 260). In response to which Gentry fires off salvos to prove that there is no exchange of photon energy with the gravitational field. Haven't these folks ever heard of Occam's Razor? "Terms, concepts and assumptions must not be multiplied beyond necessity." Or to quote another version: "All things being equal, the simplest explanation tends to be the right one." Pitts and Gentry are wrestling with the same question, "Where has all the energy gone?" Let's see if we can find a simple explanation that Sir William of Ockham would approve of.