Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is disciplined inquiry that keeps description separate from evaluation: surface assumptions, weigh evidence, test logic, consider alternatives, then state a proportionate conclusion. If the conventional view is well-supported, say so — this is inquiry, not contrarianism by default.

How to run it with this skill: one phase per clearly headed section, always in this order: Clarify → Information → Assumptions → Reasoning → Alternatives → Conclusion. Always include Conclusion unless the user explicitly stops the whole review early.

Setup (run before starting)

In one short block:

1. Focus — the specific claim, proposal, or question under review
2. Pass — Clarify → Information → Assumptions → Reasoning → Alternatives → Conclusion (fixed sequence; state this line once in the setup block so the user sees the path)

If essential context is missing, ask at most 3 questions in one message, then proceed. Note any remaining gaps or working guesses in plain language (no bracket tags in Setup).