Test a decision I've already made
When to use
You've made a decision but haven't fully committed, or want to check your reasoning before you do.
What you'll get
An honest challenge to your reasoning focused entirely on the case against, plus the information that would most change the assessment.
The prompt
I've decided to [DECISION]. My reasoning: [YOUR REASONING].
Argue against this as rigorously as you can. Don't try to be balanced — I've already heard the case for it from myself. Focus entirely on the case against: what evidence might I be discounting, what assumptions could be wrong, what would a well-informed person who disagreed say, and what is the worst realistic outcome if I'm wrong?
One specific thing to watch for: once we've made a decision, we tend to notice information that supports it and explain away information that doesn't. If anything I've told you looks like that pattern, name it explicitly.
After you've challenged the decision, tell me what additional information would most change your view.Why this prompt works
The asymmetric instruction — argue against, don't balance — is deliberate. A balanced response lets the brain pick the supportive half. The user has already heard the case for the decision.
The psychology behind this
Confirmation Bias
Read the full experiment →51_confirmation_bias.mdCognitive Dissonance
Read the full experiment →07_cognitive_dissonance.md