Separation principles are tools used to resolve simple contradictions.

A simple contradiction exists when a characteristic of a system must exist in two opposing states, for example it must be absent and present.  Although counter intuitive, simple contradictions are easier to resolve than complex contradictions because they affect only one characteristic, as opposed to two.

Using separation principles, innovators attempt to resolve simple contradictions by separating the opposing (contradictory) requirements.

The four separation principles at right have been used throughout history to resolve simple contradictions.   The accompanying graphic representations will allow you to visualize contradictory scenarios and see how you might apply the different types of separation to the problem.