Separate Symptom from Cause
Added 2026-11-01
Check whether you are fixing a symptom or a mechanism, or it will come back.
I am dealing with an issue (symptom below). Do: 1) two columns — what I observe versus possible mechanisms; 2) at least three possible causes and the observable trace each would leave; 3) judge which the current evidence supports; 4) explain what happens if I just suppress the symptom — restart, add a cache; 5) give the smallest experiment that would discriminate between them. Do not give the fix yet.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
症状消失不等于问题解决；先问「机制改了吗」。
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.