Ask just about anyone whether personal principles are important, and you’re likely to get a resounding yes. But ask them to define them? There’s a fair chance you’ll be met with a blank look.
In any event, principles are essential to a person’s successful navigation through life. Read on to learn more about principles, values, and what it means to lead a purpose-driven life.
The Meaning of Principle
So, what is the principle definition?
You can think of it as a value that serves as a guide for evaluating human behavior.
Too many times we hear about people who won’t let anyone help them, citing self-sufficiency as one of their main values. And on the other hand, others let people walk all over them because they hold non-confrontation as a rule.
Neither is a good example of an ethic principle. A good ethic principle is one that allows you to grow as a person and lead a more fulfilling life. Think of it as something that might not always be easy but is the right thing to do.
What does “it’s the principle” mean?
Tying into the previous point, choosing and following a set of worthy values on a day-to-day basis is hard.
Sometimes, it might mean breaking up with a toxic partner. In other cases, it might mean giving up unhealthy habits, such as smoking and drinking.
It is a good principle to put your own well-being above toxic relationships and bad habits.
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What is the principle in science?
In science, a principle is an underlying rule or value that governs the way things work. It is often formulated as a law and considered axiomatic—self-evident and self-proving.
It can also serve as a logical starting point for further examination.
What is the difference between principal and principle?
The words principle and principal are easy to mix up. Here’s the difference:
A principle is a fact, guideline, or law.
On the other hand, a principal is a person of authority, such as a school’s headmaster or a company’s executive. The principal can also be used as an adjective and means first, original, or most important.
3 Examples of Different Kinds of Principles
1. Ethical principle
One of the best examples of a moral or ethical principle is the famous golden rule. It stipulates that one should treat others as they would wish to be treated.
The rule dates back to the times of Confucius and has appeared in many religions, philosophies, and doctrines throughout history.
2. Scientific principle
One of the most famous examples of a scientific principle is Archimedes’ principle, by the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician. It states that any object that’s partially or wholly immersed in a fluid encounters a buoyant force that is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.
3. Logical or axiomatic principle
An example of a principle that serves as a logical foundation for further examination is the law of non-contradiction.
In a nutshell, it states that two contradictory statements can’t be true at the same time. For example, a light bulb can’t be on and off at the same time.
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