Principlev1
Distinguish between generative difficulty (producing growth
Distinguish between generative difficulty (producing growth toward worthwhile aims) and entropic difficulty (producing wear without development) by examining what the difficulty produces over time.
Why This Is a Principle
This derives from Piagetian Equilibration Through Schema Dynamics (cognitive development through equilibration) and Expert performance in complex domains requires deliberate (expert performance requires deliberate practice). The principle prescribes a diagnostic criterion for evaluating whether difficulty is purposeful. It is actionable and addresses a common confusion.