First principles thinking

First principles thinking

..is a technique that guides you to systematically come up with new solutions to overcome obstacles and achieve aspirations that may seem impossible at first. It encourages you to critically question the assumptions of each obstacle in order to get to the core of the problem. From here you ask how-questions that will surely inspire new ideas.

What?

Thousands of years ago we did not know as much about the world. Throughout human history we gradually developed our understanding of the laws of nature and built upon those through science and technology. These laws we call First Principles. They are fundamental truths that are undeniable and known by nature. 

First Principles Thinking encourages you to look beyond established perspectives, assumptions and truths about societal issues. You are invited to boil them down to their fundamental truths and discover solutions from scratch, as opposed to reasoning by analogy.  

This method was used extensively by Aristotle, who argued that you must first find the core of a problem in order to understand it and discover a solution.

Why?

Today’s problems can be complex, as multiple factors are interlinked and constantly changing. Because analogy-based thinking is not always able to produce effective solutions alone, it is time to consider an alternative supplementary approach.

Through promoting First Principles Thinking, we strive to tap into the infiniteness of ideas and creative potential that is currently underutilised or unheard.

How?

Click HERE to download the quick guide for first principles thinking.

How would you like to learn?

Manual

  • Learn at any time, any location, at your own pace
  • Learn and apply at the same time by doing exercises 
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Online course

  • Learn at any time, any location, at your own pace
  • Receive a certificate 
  • Join FIPS' online community
  • Receive a copy of the manual
Coming soon!

Workshop

  • Learn and discuss in a group
  • Ask questions to the facilitator
  • Tackle a challenge that you or your organisation currently faces
  • Receive a copy of the manual
  • Receive a certificate 
LEARN MORE

At FIPS

..we believe that no problem is off the agenda and no solution is off the table. Founded on these beliefs, and realising that traditional problem-solving methods alone are not always effective in confronting all of today’s challenges, we embraced first principles thinking. 

For those who would like some more guidance when tackling challenges, we have sought to provide additional procedures and insights to consider when going through the steps. Not only have we deepened each existing step, we have also added two additional steps that we feel are essential in the context of tackling a challenge that is societal or organisational in nature, such as mitigating risks that inevitably accompany innovation.

Tackle societal challenges

FIPS aims to be a catalyst for overcoming societal challenges. One way we do that is by connecting passionate and innovative thinkers with people in a position to implement change. If you consider yourself to be such a passionate and innovative thinker, then FIPS is here to help you make your ideas known! By submitting an article you wish to be delivered to an NGO or administrative body, you come one step closer to making your ideas a reality.

Who uses first principles thinking?

First principles thinking can be mastered and applied by anyone: students and professors, scientists and scholars, policymakers and philosophers as well as entrepreneurs or professionals from all fields and walks of life. All that is necessary is a passion for a problem to be tackled, an open and inquisitive mindset, and the dedication to commit until innovative solutions are produced. If you believe that these qualities describe you, then we invite you to begin your journey to become a first principles thinker.

Apply first principles thinking right away!

Would you like to apply first principles thinking to a societal challenge and have your ideas published in the  First Principles Thinking Review?

Then check out the submission guidelines and send us your idea. Our editorial team would be happy to work with you to turn that idea into an article.

Submission guidelines

Testimonials on FPT

According to a thesis study (2021) that involved a number of workshops:



  • 91% of the participants found that the first principles thinking process helps to come up with innovative ideas. 
  • 88% of the participants said they would continue to use the process to generate innovative solutions.


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