Principle

Common card · No. 248212

A principle may relate to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of beliefs or behavior or a chain of reasoning. They provide a guide for behavior or evaluation. A principle can make values explicit, so they are expressed in the form of rules and standards. Principles unpack values so they can be more easily operationalized in policy statements and actions. In law, higher-order, overarching principles establish rules to be followed, modified by sentencing guidelines relating to context and proportionality. In science and nature, a principle may define the essential characteristics of a system or reflect a system's designed purpose. The effective operation would be impossible if any one of the principles were to be ignored. A system may be explicitly based on and implemented from a document of principles, as was done in IBM's 360/370 Principles of Operation. It is important to differentiate an operational principle, including reference to "first principles...

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