As is becoming more and more obvious, thought is relative. We must not assume that everyone in the world starts thinking from the same place. This template allows platforms and organizations to be easily transparent about the assumptions they make about their users and the world by publishing a "first principles policy" similar to that of a privacy policy or Terms Of Service (TOS). This will allow both individuals and organizations to be on the same page about how your services are designed and impact every aspect of their life.
To use this template for your organization:
- Review the content of each section and customize it to reflect your organization's values and assumptions.
- Modify or create additional sections as needed to cover specific aspects relevant to your organization.
- Organize the sections to align with your preferred structure and priorities.
- Utilize the provided placeholders and instructions for a seamless customization process.
[Organization Name] First Principles Policy
Introduction
Purpose
Provide a clear and transparent framework for articulating the fundamental assumptions [Organization Name] operates on in its everyday operations.
Scope
This policy applies to all aspects of [Organization Name]'s activities, including but not limited to product development, decision-making processes, and interactions with users and stakeholders.
Core Values
List the core values that guide [Organization Name]'s mission and vision.
Assumptions
User Expectations
1. User Privacy
- [Organization Name] assumes that users prioritize privacy and data security.
- [Additional Assumptions]
2. User Engagement
- [Organization Name] assumes that users desire personalized and interactive experiences.
- [Additional Assumptions]
Technology and Innovation
3. Technology Adoption
- [Organization Name] assumes that users are early adopters and embrace cutting-edge technologies.
- [Additional Assumptions]
4. Ethical Considerations
- [Organization Name] assumes that users value transparency and ethical considerations in technology development.
- [Additional Assumptions]
Content and Moderation
5. Content Standards
- [Organization Name] assumes that users prefer diverse and inclusive content standards.
- [Additional Assumptions]
6. Moderation Policies
- [Organization Name] assumes that users support proactive moderation to maintain a positive online environment.
- [Additional Assumptions]
Community and Collaboration
7. Community Building
- [Organization Name] assumes that users value a sense of belonging and community.
- [Additional Assumptions]
8. Collaboration Practices
- [Organization Name] assumes that users appreciate collaborative efforts and open communication in decision-making.
- [Additional Assumptions]
Societal Assumptions
9. Gender and Sexuality
- [Organization Name] assumes a commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects.
- [Additional Societal Assumptions]
Scientific Assumptions
10. Model for the Earth
- [Organization Name] operates under the assumption that the heliocentric model accurately represents the Earth's position in the solar system.
- [Additional Scientific Assumptions]
11. Foundation of Physics Understanding
- [Organization Name] bases its understanding of physics on the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics.
- [Additional Scientific Assumptions]
Law and Justice
12. Legal Framework
- [Organization Name] assumes adherence to international law and human rights principles.
- [Additional Legal Assumptions]
13. Concept of Justice
- [Organization Name] operates under the assumption that justice is achieved through fairness, equity, and due process.
- [Additional Legal Assumptions]
Decision-Making
Governance Structure
Outline the governance structure of [Organization Name] and the decision-making processes.
Stakeholder Involvement
Specify how [Organization Name] involves stakeholders in key decision-making processes.
Transparency Measures
Information Disclosure
- [Organization Name] is committed to disclosing information about data practices and algorithmic decision-making to the public.
- [Additional Transparency Measures]
Regular Reporting
- [Organization Name] will provide regular reports on user metrics and community health to keep stakeholders informed.
- [Additional Transparency Measures]
Accountability
Accountability Mechanisms
Describe the mechanisms in place for holding [Organization Name] accountable for its actions.
Feedback Channels
Specify the channels through which users and stakeholders can provide feedback and raise concerns.
Review and Update
Periodic Review
- [Organization Name] commits to periodic reviews of this First Principles Policy.
- [Additional Review Mechanisms]
Update Process
Outline the process for updating the policy to reflect evolving assumptions and values.
Approval
This First Principles Policy is approved by [Name/Title] on [Date].
---
Note: This template is a starting point and should be customized based on the specific context and nature of the organization.
# [Organization Name] First Principles Policy
## Introduction
### Purpose
Provide a clear and transparent framework for articulating the fundamental assumptions [Organization Name] operates on in its everyday operations.
### Scope
This policy applies to all aspects of [Organization Name]'s activities, including but not limited to product development, decision-making processes, and interactions with users and stakeholders.
## Core Values
List the core values that guide [Organization Name]'s mission and vision.
## Assumptions
### User Expectations
#### 1. User Privacy
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users prioritize privacy and data security.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
#### 2. User Engagement
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users desire personalized and interactive experiences.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
### Technology and Innovation
#### 3. Technology Adoption
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users are early adopters and embrace cutting-edge technologies.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
#### 4. Ethical Considerations
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users value transparency and ethical considerations in technology development.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
### Content and Moderation
#### 5. Content Standards
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users prefer diverse and inclusive content standards.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
#### 6. Moderation Policies
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users support proactive moderation to maintain a positive online environment.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
### Community and Collaboration
#### 7. Community Building
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users value a sense of belonging and community.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
#### 8. Collaboration Practices
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes that users appreciate collaborative efforts and open communication in decision-making.
- [ ] [Additional Assumptions]
### Societal Assumptions
#### 9. Gender and Sexuality
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes a commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in all aspects.
- [ ] [Additional Societal Assumptions]
### Scientific Assumptions
#### 10. Model for the Earth
- [ ] [Organization Name] operates under the assumption that the heliocentric model accurately represents the Earth's position in the solar system.
- [ ] [Additional Scientific Assumptions]
#### 11. Foundation of Physics Understanding
- [ ] [Organization Name] bases its understanding of physics on the principles of relativity and quantum mechanics.
- [ ] [Additional Scientific Assumptions]
### Law and Justice
#### 12. Legal Framework
- [ ] [Organization Name] assumes adherence to international law and human rights principles.
- [ ] [Additional Legal Assumptions]
#### 13. Concept of Justice
- [ ] [Organization Name] operates under the assumption that justice is achieved through fairness, equity, and due process.
- [ ] [Additional Legal Assumptions]
## Decision-Making
### Governance Structure
Outline the governance structure of [Organization Name] and the decision-making processes.
### Stakeholder Involvement
Specify how [Organization Name] involves stakeholders in key decision-making processes.
## Transparency Measures
### Information Disclosure
- [ ] [Organization Name] is committed to disclosing information about data practices and algorithmic decision-making to the public.
- [ ] [Additional Transparency Measures]
### Regular Reporting
- [ ] [Organization Name] will provide regular reports on user metrics and community health to keep stakeholders informed.
- [ ] [Additional Transparency Measures]
## Accountability
### Accountability Mechanisms
Describe the mechanisms in place for holding [Organization Name] accountable for its actions.
### Feedback Channels
Specify the channels through which users and stakeholders can provide feedback and raise concerns.
## Review and Update
### Periodic Review
- [ ] [Organization Name] commits to periodic reviews of this First Principles Policy.
- [ ] [Additional Review Mechanisms]
### Update Process
Outline the process for updating the policy to reflect evolving assumptions and values.
## Approval
This First Principles Policy is approved by [Name/Title] on [Date].
---
**Note:** This template is a starting point and should be customized based on the specific context and nature of the organization.
Contributions to enhance and refine the First Principles Policy template are welcomed. If you have suggestions, improvements, or additional sections that could benefit the template, feel free to open an issue or submit a pull request.
This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.
Note: Replace [Organization Name] with the actual name of your organization. Customize the README to include specific details about the project, contributors, and any additional information relevant to your organization's context.