what is first principle course

by Prof. Orion Glover 9 min read

First principles thinking (also called reasoning from first principles) requires breaking down a problem into its fundamental building blocks, its essential elements, asking powerful questions, getting down to the basic truth, separating facts from assumptions and then constructing a view from the grounds up.

Sometimes called “reasoning from first principles,” the idea is to break down complicated problems into basic elements and then reassemble them from the ground up. It's one of the best ways to learn to think for yourself, unlock your creative potential, and move from linear to non-linear results.

Full Answer

What is first principles?

First Principles: The Building Blocks of True Knowledge. First-principles thinking is one of the best ways to reverse-engineer complicated problems and unleash creative possibility. Sometimes called “reasoning from first principles,” the idea is to break down complicated problems into basic elements and then reassemble them from the ground up.

What is first principles thinking in research?

A first principle is a basic assumption that cannot be deduced any further. Over two thousand years ago, Aristotle defined a first principle as “the first basis from which a thing is known.”. First principles thinking is a fancy way of saying “think like a …

When were the first principle studies written?

FIRST PRINCIPLES 3 Introduction Course Information 1. This course should take a high priority in your day as it is geared to help you grasp a firmer hold on God’s Word and to deepen your understanding of His will for your life. 2. Each session two new Scriptures should be memorized for a written or verbal quiz at the beginning of each class. 3.

What is the discovery of first principles in philosophy?

Use First Principles Thinking to Solve Impossible Problems. The gist: If you want to solve hard problems in unique ways, “first principles thinking” is the strategy that works for the world’s most creative people. “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining ...

What do you mean by first principle?

A first principle is a basic proposition or assumption that cannot be deduced from any other proposition or assumption. In philosophy, first principles are from First Cause attitudes and taught by Aristotelians, and nuanced versions of first principles are referred to as postulates by Kantians.

How do you learn from first principles?

First Principles ThinkingSTEP 1: Identify and define your current assumptions. “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” ... STEP 2: Breakdown the problem into its fundamental principles. ... STEP 3: Create new solutions from scratch.

What is first principles thinking based in?

First principles thinking is about acquiring knowledge about a thing by knowing its first causes. First principles thinking is about decomposing a problem or a thing into its most basic elements which can be termed as first causes. The final cause is about the purpose that the things serve.Mar 5, 2022

What is Elon Musk first principle?

Musk used first principles thinking to break the situation down to the fundamentals, bypass the high prices of the aerospace industry, and create a more effective solution. First principles thinking is the act of boiling a process down to the fundamental parts that you know are true and building up from there.

What is Elon Musk philosophy?

"The source of my inspiration is somewhat philosophical. The thing we should be aiming for is to increase the scope and scale of human civilization so as to best ask the right questions for the answer which is reality or the universe. We should work to ensure the survival and long-term prosperity of humanity," he said.Sep 28, 2021

What are examples of first principles?

Employing First Principles in Your Daily Life“I don't have a good memory.” People have far better memories than they think they do. ... “There is too much information out there.” ... “All the good ideas are taken.” ... “We need to move first.” ... “I can't do that; it's never been done before.”

How can I be like Elon Musk?

How to Think Like Elon MuskMoney isn't what drives him. ... First principles thinking. ... Focus on product development. ... Prioritize learning and work hard. ... Take risks and let the fear drive you. ... Dream big and don't hold back.Jan 12, 2021

Why should banking be designed based on first principles?

First principles thinking creates the opportunity for new and innovative solutions by freeing you from the proverbial "legacy" box and its associated real or perceived constraints.Nov 18, 2019

Defining First Principles Thinking

A first principle is a basic assumption that cannot be deduced any further. Over two thousand years ago, Aristotle defined a first principle as “th...

How First Principles Drive Innovation

The snowmobile example also highlights another hallmark of first principles thinking, which is the combination of ideas from seemingly unrelated fi...

The Challenge of Reasoning from First Principles

First principles thinking can be easy to describe, but quite difficult to practice. One of the primary obstacles to first principles thinking is ou...

How to Think For Yourself

The human tendency for imitation is a common roadblock to first principles thinking. When most people envision the future, they project the current...

The Power of First Principles

Ironically, perhaps the best way to develop cutting-edge ideas is to start by breaking things down to the fundamentals. Even if you aren't trying t...

Why were the Apostles able to pass on the gifts?

Apostles were able to pass on the gifts because they were apostles. The Apostles possessed the ability to perform miracles even during the ministry of Christ. (Luke 9:1) This ability to pass and perform the gifts were not given at Pentecost.

What is the context of the word "Scripture"?

The context of the word “Scripture” is referring to the Old Testament . We believe the Old Testament applies to our lives – as much as the New Testament – except for the Mosaic Law and any teaching in the New Testament that supersedes the Old Testament. (Example: grounds for divorce)

What does the Bible say about giving hope?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Where was Jesus taken?

In the early morning, battered and bruised, dehydrated, and exhausted from a sleepless night, Jesus is taken across the Praetorium of the Fortress Antonia, the seat of government of the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate. You are, of course, familiar with Pilate’s action in attempting to pass responsibility to Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Judea. Jesus apparently suffered no physical mistreatment at the hands of Herod and was returned to Pilate. It was then, in response to the cries of the mob, that Pilate ordered Bar-Abbas released and condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion.

Is the baptism with the Holy Spirit a prophecy?

2. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2 and 10) – is no longer present as it was a prophecy/promise that has been fulfilled. It was never a general command for all Christians.

What does Matthew 18:15-17 say about sin?

Matthew 18:15-17 Christians will sin against each other. When someone sins against you, do not gossip by going to someone else. Talk to the person who hurt you, so you can win him/her over as

What does the Bible say about being baptized?

c.Matthew 28:19-20 Only the person who makes the decision to be baptized as a disciple is saved. (This truth condemns those who may baptize for remission of sins, but are not made into disciples before and after baptism.)

What is first principles thinking?

First principles thinking (also called reasoning from first principles) requires breaking down a problem into its fundamental building blocks, its essential elements, asking powerful questions, getting down to the basic truth, separating facts from assumptions and then constructing a view from the grounds up .

Who is Daniel Kahneman?

From Thinking Fast And Slow by Daniel Kahneman, an American psychologist and economist notable for his work on the psychology of judgement and decision-making, as well as behavioral economics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

What is System 2?

System 2 is more of an apologist for the emotions of System 1 than a critic of those emotions—an endorser rather than an enforcer. Its search for information and arguments is mostly constrained to information that is consistent with existing beliefs, not with an intention to examine them.

How to build a platform?

It’s a very important question since it’s not about whether you should build a platform or not, it’s about why you need it now. Putting first principles thinking into action can enable a better decision guided through solid reasoning. Start with the analysis: 1 Break down the platform into its core features, essential components, the most basic parts 2 Dig deep, ask questions and learn the challenges of each individual part. It could be in the number of dependencies that makes it less reliable or subpar performance due to a technical choice or complexity of code or any other reason 3 Gain context. Think about why some choices were made in the first place and what changes have made those assumptions and decisions now invalid 4 Learn about the purpose of this platform, its goals. How far is it from its goals 5 If you were to build it today, how would you go about doing it? What value will it add? 6 Work out the cost (in terms of time, effort, resources) of iteration on existing vs building new 7 With all the knowledge gathered above, now make your decision.

How First Principles Thinking Makes You More Creative

When you don’t know how to do something, where’s the first place you turn? The Internet, right? Maybe you read a few tutorials or watch some YouTube videos. This works sometimes but, other times not; you’re left thinking, “That’s too much work” or “That’s not the solution I want.”

Practical Ways To Use First Principles Thinking In Everyday Life

If you want to solve a difficult problem or create something better than what exists now, you have to do it from first principles. Shortcuts won’t get you there.

Case Study: First Principles Thinking Built Riskology

When I started this website, I was unhappy with how fast the email list was growing. So, I did a lot of research into how others solved this problem. I knew that, no matter what solution I landed on, I wanted two outcomes:

Do This in the Next 10 Minutes

Take a moment to think of a problem you’ve been struggling with lately. Write down all the reasons you think the problem is difficult, and then—for each one of those reasons you identified—ask yourself how you know that it’s true.

What is Discipleship?

One of the greatest needs of Christianity is to be discipled - to be taught how to live the Christian life! Jesus said to His "disciples," to go out and " teach all nations! " (Matthew 28:19).

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"An excellent resource! I'm 40 years saved and I found this book very helpful. I would have loved to have come across this book when I was a new Christian. "

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About The Author

Born in Texas in 1963, I got born AGAIN in 1980 through the efforts of a soul-winner who cared for MY soul one Saturday night! During that same year, God called me to preach the Gospel, and directed my steps to a far away placed called Ireland! Since arriving in Ireland in 1994, my family and I have been working at getting the Gospel of Jesus Christ into as many homes as possible through soul-winning, and especially discipleship.

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Shutting Down First Principles Thinking

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Observe how children naturally apply first principles thinking as they try to build their own reasoning around why certain things must be done in certain ways in an attempt to establish a better view of the world. It can be simple questions like: “Why do I need to eat healthy” “Why do I need to sleep at a certain time” “Why do y…
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Examples of First Principles Thinking in Action

  • To learn a few techniques for establishing first principles and understand how reasoning plays an important role in it, let’s take a look at some examples
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Recommended Reading

  • This is my first post on mental modelsand I will continue to write about others to help you master them. I hope you will be motivated to apply first principles thinking in your life and encourage others to do the same. Help me learn more by sharing your comments below or write to me.
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