Rebuild Under New Constraints
Layers Used: Layer 4 (Contradiction Challenge), Layer 6 (Iterative Drafts)
What You Do
The instructor removes or changes one foundational constraint: "Now assume the AI tutoring system has unlimited capacity but students have limited internet access — only 2 hours per day." Rebuild your solution. You cannot start from scratch — trace which of your first principles still hold and which collapsed. Then ask AI to rebuild under the same new constraints and compare adaptation strategies.
Your rebuilt solution with a clear "principle audit" showing: which first principles survived the constraint change (and why), which collapsed (and why), and which new principles emerged. A comparison of your rebuild approach vs. AI's rebuild approach. A reflection (200 words) answering: What did this exercise teach me about the difference between principles and patterns?
I originally designed a solution using first principles for a problem. The constraint has now changed. I rebuilt my solution and documented which principles survived, which collapsed, and which emerged.
Please: (1) Did I correctly identify which principles still hold vs. which collapsed? (2) Is my rebuilt solution logically consistent with the new constraints? (3) Now rebuild the solution yourself under the same new constraints. I will compare our approaches. (4) Rate my adaptability -- did I genuinely rebuild from principles or did I just patch my old solution superficially? (5) Rate my overall first principles reasoning across this entire chapter from Beginner / Developing / Proficient / Advanced, with specific feedback on what to improve.
My principle audit:
My rebuilt solution:
Finally, complete the Thinking Score Card for this exercise: Independent Thinking (1-10), Critical Evaluation (1-10), Reasoning Depth (1-10), Originality (1-10), Self-Awareness (1-10). For each score, give a one-sentence justification.
Discuss with an AI. Question your scores.
Come back when you have your BEST evaluation.
What This Teaches You
You learn the ultimate test of first principles reasoning: can you adapt when the ground shifts? A student who derived their solution from principles can rebuild because they know which principles were affected. A student who borrowed a pattern has to start from zero. This exercise makes that difference visible and teaches you to build adaptable solutions.
A First Principles Portfolio containing: (1) the contrarian argument (written without AI), (2) the novel problem First Principles Worksheet with AI comparison, (3) the merged assumption map, (4) the rebuilt solution with principle audit, and (5) all AI feedback with reflections.
Grading Criteria
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Contrarian argument quality and logical rigor | 20% |
| Novel problem solution (derived from constraints, not borrowed) | 25% |
| Assumption autopsy thoroughness | 15% |
| Rebuild adaptation quality | 25% |
| AI feedback integration and reflections | 15% |