A useful idea should be clear enough to examine. When I’m working through a question, I try to make the reasoning visible before I settle on a conclusion.
I use three prompts:
- What evidence supports the idea? Start with the information available. Separate what has been observed from what is inferred. If there are gaps, name them instead of quietly filling them with assumptions.
- Which assumptions matter most? Most conclusions depend on expectations. Writing those expectations down helps show how much they influence the overall view. It also makes it easier to revisit the reasoning if circumstances change.
- What could lead me to reconsider? This question keeps a conclusion open to new information. The answer might be contrary evidence, a different explanation, or a change in the situation. If no possible information could change the view, it may be time to check whether the idea has been examined fairly. These prompts are simple, but they make it easier to explain how I reached a conclusion and what remains uncertain. They don’t remove uncertainty or guarantee that a decision will be right. They help keep the process thoughtful and open to review.
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