Model-First Reasoning (MFR)

A rigorous methodology that REQUIRES constructing an explicit problem MODEL before any reasoning or implementation. The model becomes a frozen contract that governs all downstream work.

Based on Kumar & Rana (2025), "Model-First Reasoning LLM Agents: Reducing Hallucinations through Explicit Problem Modeling" (arXiv:2512.14474)

Why MFR Works

Hallucination is not merely the generation of false statements—it is a symptom of reasoning performed without a clearly defined model of the problem space.

Reasoning does not create structure; it operates on structure. When that structure is implicit or unstable, reasoning becomes unreliable. MFR provides "soft symbolic grounding"—enough structure to stabilize reasoning without imposing rigid formalism.

Core Principle

Phase 1 produces the MODEL. Phase 2 reasons/implements ONLY within the model.

This prevents the common failure mode where reasoning introduces ad-hoc decisions, missing constraints, or invented behavior not grounded in the problem definition.

Non-Negotiable Rules