Critical Thinking

Rigorous analysis of arguments, claims, and reasoning.

Pattern Selection

Decision Flow

User request
    │
    ├─ "evaluate claims/fact check" ──→ analyze_claims
    ├─ "predictions/forecasts" ──→ extract_predictions
    ├─ "controversial/contested" ──→ extract_controversial_ideas
    ├─ "what went wrong/mistakes" ──→ analyze_mistakes
    ├─ "root cause/core problem" ──→ extract_primary_problem
    ├─ "red team/devil's advocate" ──→ t_red_team_thinking
    ├─ "surprising/novel insights" ──→ extract_alpha
    └─ "organize my thinking" ──→ create_idea_compass

Pattern References

See references/ for full patterns:

• analyze_claims.md
• extract_predictions.md
• analyze_mistakes.md
• extract_primary_problem.md
• t_red_team_thinking.md
• extract_alpha.md
• create_idea_compass.md

Output Guidelines

• Always distinguish claims from evidence
• Rate confidence levels explicitly
• Identify logical fallacies by name
• Present steelman versions of arguments before critiquing
• Note when evidence is insufficient to conclude
• Acknowledge uncertainty and areas of genuine disagreement

Chaining Suggestions

• After analyze_claims → offer extract_primary_problem to find root issues
• After t_red_team_thinking → offer create_upgrade_pack to address weaknesses
• After extract_primary_problem → offer extract_primary_solution for solutions