Do Principles Matter?

First, let’s state a few definitions dealing with logic and concepts.

prin·ci·ple| ˈprinsəpəl | noun

1  a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning: the basicprinciples of Christianity. • (usually principles) a rule or belief governing one’s personal behavior: struggling to be true to their own principles | she resigned over a matter of principle. • morally correct behavior and attitudes: a man of principle. 

2 a general scientific theorem or law that has numerous special applications across a wide field. • a natural law forming the basis for the construction or working of a machine: these machines all operate on the same general principle. 

3 a fundamental source or basis of something: the first principle of all things was water. • a fundamental quality or attribute determining the nature of something; an essence: the combination of male and female principles. •