First Principles Thinking

Break problems into basic truths, test constraints, rebuild solutions

First principle thinking breaks problems into basic truths, checks constraints, then rebuilds solutions from simple pieces using clear reasoning steps.

Learn the core loop: Problem → Basic Truths → Identify Constraints → Clear Reasoning → Rebuild Solutions

What You'll Learn:

How to decompose problems into primitives
Testing assumptions versus facts
Mapping hard limits versus soft constraints
Finding invariants that anchor solutions
Using Fermi sheets for sense-checking
Common types of reasoning (deductive, inductive, abductive)
Practical thinking tools (5 Whys, Assumption Mapping, Root Cause Analysis)

What You'll Learn

First Principles Reasoning

Decompose problems into primitives and build upward cleanly, rationally, and originally

Basic Truths & Constraints

Identify what is fundamentally true and map physical, financial, and logical limits

Assumption Testing

Separate givens from beliefs and test weak assumptions with simple questions

Invariants & Anchors

Find stable points that must remain true and use them to guide solution design

Fermi Estimation

Turn complex problems into simple number questions and verify sense-checking

Reasoning Types

Master deductive (rules), inductive (patterns), and abductive (best guesses) reasoning

Practical Tools

5 Whys, Socratic questioning, Root Cause Analysis, and Zero-Based Thinking

Real-World Case

Walk through first-principles approach to global warming problem

First Principles Thinking