first principle

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first principle

A student learns the first principles of geometry.

Definition

Noun The fundamental concept, law, or assumption upon which a theory, system, or method of reasoning is based; a basic, foundational truth or proposition that is accepted as true without proof and from which other truths can be derived.

Usage

The term "first principle" refers to a foundational axiom or primary assumption. It is often used in philosophy, science, mathematics, and logic to denote a basic proposition that cannot be deduced from any other proposition or assumption. Reasoning from first principles involves breaking down complex problems into their most basic, self-evident elements and rebuilding solutions from the ground up.

Examples
  • In physics, Newton's laws of motion are considered first principles of classical mechanics.
  • A good entrepreneur often questions industry norms by returning to first principles.
  • The philosopher Aristotle argued that every field of inquiry must start from its own first principles.
Advanced Usage
  • Plural Form ("first principles"): Commonly used, especially when referring to the set of foundational axioms in a field.
    • The debate centered on the first principles of democratic governance.
  • Reasoning from first principles: A method of analysis that deconstructs a problem to its core truths before constructing a solution.
    • Instead of copying competitors, the engineer used first-principles thinking to design a completely new type of battery.
Variants and Related Words
  • First-principles (adjective): Used attributively to describe reasoning, calculation, or analysis based on basic truths.
    • a first-principles approach to problem-solving
  • Principle (noun): A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
Synonyms
  • Axiom
  • Fundamental
  • Basic truth
  • Postulate
  • Rudiment (often used in plural: )
  • Foundation
Idioms and Phrases
  • To go back to first principles: To re-examine the most basic assumptions of a subject or problem.
    • When the project stalled, the team decided to go back to first principles.
first principle

A student learns the first principles of geometry.

Noun
  1. the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
    • he mastered only the rudiments of geometry

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