Split "Should" into Facts and Values

Added 2026-11-06

A "should" usually hides a factual claim and a value choice.

Here is a claim containing "should": [the claim]. Take it apart: 1) rewrite it as a factual judgment plus a value choice, stating each; 2) say what evidence the factual part needs and whether you have it; 3) name what the value part protects — efficiency, fairness, freedom, safety — and give an equally valid alternative ordering; 4) say what remains of the "should" if the factual part fails; 5) propose the smallest action both sides could accept; 6) flag the value judgment inside it that is most likely to be mistaken for a fact.

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Replace these placeholders 1

Swap the bracketed parts for your own details before sending.

[the claim]

How to use

Taking "should" apart often turns a clash of positions into a discussable question.

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.