First Principles Breakdown Template
Problem/Concept Identification
Topic to Analyze: [Describe the problem, concept, or situation you’re breaking down]
Conventional Approach: [Describe how this is typically addressed or understood]
Limitations of Conventional Approach: [Identify why the conventional approach may be insufficient]
Assumption Identification
Assumption | Source of Assumption | Evidence Supporting | Evidence Contradicting | Classification |
[Assumption 1] | [Where did this come from?] | [Supporting evidence] | [Contradicting evidence] | [Fact/Opinion/Unknown] |
[Assumption 2] | ||||
[Assumption 3] | ||||
[Assumption 4] | ||||
[Assumption 5] |
Fundamental Elements Identification
Core Components: [List the most basic elements that make up this situation]
Fundamental Truths: [List principles or facts that are verifiably true about this situation]
Essential Functions: [Identify the fundamental purposes or functions that must be fulfilled]
First Principles Questions: [List “Five Whys” or other questions that help reach fundamental truths]
Knowledge Gaps
Areas Requiring More Information: [Identify where more fundamental knowledge is needed]
Research Questions: [List specific questions to investigate]
Expert Consultation Needed: [Identify fields or specific expertise that would be valuable]
Rebuilding from First Principles
New Approach Based on Fundamentals: [Describe how you would approach this from scratch using only verified principles]
Key Differences from Conventional Approach: [Highlight how this differs from the traditional method]
Potential Advantages: [Identify benefits this approach might offer]
Potential Challenges: [Identify difficulties in implementing this approach]
Practical Application
Minimum Viable Version: [Describe the simplest implementation of your first-principles solution]
Testing Approach: [How will you test the validity of this new approach?]
Implementation Steps: 1. [First step] 2. [Second step] 3. [Third step] 4. [Continue as needed]
Reflection
Key Insights from First Principles Analysis: [What were the most important realizations?]
Assumptions Challenged: [Which assumptions were most valuable to question?]
Lessons for Future Analysis: [What would you do differently next time?]
Remember: First principles thinking requires intellectual honesty and the willingness to set aside preconceptions. Be rigorous in distinguishing between what you know for certain and what you’re assuming.