Notice When a Question Assumes Its Answer
Added 2026-11-06
"Why does X happen" usually assumes X is real.
I was asked, or I am asking, this question: [question]. Check what it assumes: 1) list the parts treated as established fact; 2) say what the question becomes if that premise fails; 3) give three alternative phrasings that do not assume the answer; 4) describe the bias of answering the original — explaining a phenomenon without checking it exists; 5) design a small check that verifies the premise first; 6) flag whether the question is really asking me to take a side.
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[question]
How to use
Ask whether it actually happened before asking why.
Try tweaking it
- Ask what evidence would overturn the judgement.
- Have it argue both sides with three reasons each.
What you should get
- A decision table: assumptions, evidence, counter-evidence
- A next action with an observable signal
Common mistakes
- Asking only "should I?" and getting equally valid answers both ways.
- Never asking for counter-examples, so you only hear support.
How to check the output
- It states what evidence would overturn the conclusion.
- Both sides are argued, with assumptions marked as such.
Where it works
- Good for: splitting a decision into assumptions, evidence and counter-cases, leaving the call to you.
- Watch out: ask what evidence would overturn the judgement, or you will only hear supporting reasons.