First principles thinking is a powerful framework for deconstructing complex problems and driving non-linear outcomes.
Here's a breakdown of what it is and how it works:
Aristotle defined a first principle as "the first basis from which a thing is known."
A first principle is a basic, foundational assumption—one that cannot be deduced or broken down any further.
First principles are foundational truths.
"First principles thinking”—or "reasoning from first principles”—is a problem-solving and innovation framework that requires you to break down a complex problem into its most foundational elements.
The aim: to ground yourself in the foundational truths and build up from there.
When we encounter challenging problems, our tendency is to rely on base level assumptions we have been told are true—or we believe to be true.
It's quick and easy to do.
But it also leads to unimaginative, linear solutions that closely resemble what has been done before.
This is called "reasoning by analogy”—it leads to solutions that are much like something else.
To be sure, it can be very useful when speed is the priority.
But it falls short when dealing with complex problems requiring creative, imaginative solutions.
