First Principles Thinking Checklist

Problem Definition

I have clearly articulated the problem I’m trying to solve

I have identified the conventional approach or current solution

I have stated why the current approach is insufficient

Assumption Identification

I have listed all major assumptions about this problem

I have identified which assumptions are facts vs. opinions

I have marked assumptions that seem most questionable

I have considered industry/domain “best practices” that might be outdated

Breaking Down to Fundamentals

I have identified the fundamental truths in this situation

I have used the “Five Whys” technique to dig deeper

I have reduced the problem to its essential components

I have distinguished between what I know for certain and what I’m assuming

Questioning Process

I have questioned each major assumption with “Why must this be true?”

I have looked for evidence that contradicts my assumptions

I have considered what experts from unrelated fields might ask about this problem

I have temporarily suspended practical constraints to enable fresh thinking

Rebuilding from Scratch

I have set aside the conventional approach completely

I have started building a solution using only verified first principles

I have considered multiple ways to combine fundamental elements

I have avoided falling back on analogies to existing solutions

Knowledge Gap Assessment

I have identified areas where I need more fundamental knowledge

I have researched basic principles I don’t fully understand

I have consulted experts in relevant fundamental disciplines

I have acknowledged the limits of my current understanding

Solution Development

My solution addresses the problem at a fundamental level

I have verified that my solution doesn’t reintroduce unexamined assumptions

I have considered how my first-principles solution differs from conventional approaches

I have identified the potential advantages of my approach

Reality Check

I have reintroduced practical constraints to refine my solution

I have identified the minimum viable version of my first-principles solution

I have considered implementation challenges specific to this approach

I have developed a plan to test the core assumptions of my new solution

Documentation

I have documented my first principles analysis process

I have recorded which assumptions were challenged and why

I have articulated the fundamental truths I’m building upon

I have explained my reasoning clearly enough for others to follow

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