Back to basics
Aristotle explains first principles this way:
In every systematic inquiry (methodos) where there are first principles, or causes, or elements, knowledge and science result from acquiring knowledge of these; for we think we know something just in case we acquire knowledge of the primary causes, the primary first principles, all the way to the elements. It is clear, then, that in the science of nature as elsewhere, we should try first to determine questions about the first principles. The naturally proper direction of our road is from things better known and clearer to us, to things that are clearer and better known by nature; for the things known to us are not the same as the things known unconditionally (haplôs). Hence it is necessary for us to progress, following this procedure, from the things that are less clear by nature, but clearer to us, towards things that are clearer and better known by nature.
In short – the basics lead the way.
I often need to be reminded about this because, in a rush to prove myself, I’ve looked for the most complicated, convoluted way to make a point.
At best, I “seem” smart. At worse, I look like an idiot. Either way, I don’t move the problem forward.
The basics are the building block in which we can make sustained progress when we are facing a world full of ambiguity. It is for that reason, and my bias, that I want to spend this month writing about it.
Wish me luck.
From the desk of Adam Thomas 