Open question: is structured problem solving (what we learn in consulting and b-school) the same as first principles thinking?
I think there is a subtle difference because structured problem solving focuses not just on 'breaking things down' but also solving problems. First Principles on the other hand focuses more on identifying what are the assumptions and hard facts (which is part of structured problem solving, but not the whole process)
Structured problem solving and first principles thinking overlap but I slightly different. I think frist-principles is a way to solve problems in a structured manner.
Structured problem solving emphasizes a step-by-step approach to break down and solve problems, often relying on frameworks and existing knowledge.
First principles thinking, OTOH, is about deconstructing assumptions to arrive at fundamental truths, focusing more on understanding than on applying predefined frameworks.
Open question: is structured problem solving (what we learn in consulting and b-school) the same as first principles thinking?
I think there is a subtle difference because structured problem solving focuses not just on 'breaking things down' but also solving problems. First Principles on the other hand focuses more on identifying what are the assumptions and hard facts (which is part of structured problem solving, but not the whole process)
That's a great point. IMO:
Structured problem solving and first principles thinking overlap but I slightly different. I think frist-principles is a way to solve problems in a structured manner.
Structured problem solving emphasizes a step-by-step approach to break down and solve problems, often relying on frameworks and existing knowledge.
First principles thinking, OTOH, is about deconstructing assumptions to arrive at fundamental truths, focusing more on understanding than on applying predefined frameworks.