Literary notes about principles (AI summary)
The term "principles" frequently appears in literature as a versatile symbol of foundational beliefs and governing rules, whether in ethics, politics, science, or art. In philosophical texts, it often signifies a priori precepts that underlie reasoning and moral judgment, as when Kant and Plato discuss them in abstract, conceptual terms [1][2][3]. In works ranging from ethical treatises to narratives of personal conviction and social order, authors invoke principles to both establish structured systems of conduct and to critique the rigidity or flexibility of established norms [4][5][6]. Moreover, in practical contexts such as military strategy, architecture, and even scientific inquiry, principles are presented as the core guidelines necessary for consistent and effective application of knowledge [7][8][9]. This multifaceted use demonstrates that "principles" can be both the unseen foundation and the active force driving human affairs in literature.
- [Footnote: From the Greek, eurhioko.] principles.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - 2 Or, taking παρὰ in another sense, ‘trained to virtue on their principles.’
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - Only when under the guidance of reason do either of the other principles do their own business or attain the pleasure which is natural to them.
— from The Republic by Plato - Thus we can exhibit a self-evident element in the commonly recognised principles of Prudence, Justice, and Benevolence.
— from The Methods of Ethics by Henry Sidgwick - Principles of justice, to have any value or significance, must be universal in their application to all humanity.
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - Because politics, and perhaps human life generally, are of a mixed nature we must not allow our principles to sink to the level of our practice.
— from Gorgias by Plato - These same principles controlled the designing of houses, farm buildings, barns, granaries, and the like.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Plans of operations are made as circumstances may demand: to execute these plans, the great principles of war must be observed.
— from The Art of War by baron de Antoine Henri Jomini - 5. Propriety is that perfection of style which comes when a work is authoritatively constructed on approved principles.
— from The Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius Pollio
