First Principles, often known as fundamental principles (sometimes less exact sense of the term principles) is used to designate the fundamental laws, causes, axioms or universal truth in a given sphere of explanation. It is the final derivation, conclusion or established fact which cannot be drawn (or deduced) any further. Induction and Deduction are the methods commonly used in philosophy to arrive at first principles, as it can be seen with Plato's question "Are we on the way from or to the first principles?"[1]
Plato's discussions in his works sought for a critical evaluation of first principles. Aristotle on the other hand lays emphasis on arriving at first principles.
- ↑ Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" (Book 1, Chapter 4)