name: clear-thinking
description: Guides users through critical thinking, decision-making, and brainstorming by identifying cognitive biases and applying mental models. Use when users need to make important decisions, analyze complex problems, or avoid common reasoning pitfalls.

Clear Thinking Skill

This skill helps users think more clearly by identifying potential cognitive biases and applying mental models to their decision-making process. It is designed to be an interactive "thought partner" that challenges assumptions and encourages rigor.

How to Use

When a user presents a decision, problem, or scenario:

1. Analyze the Situation: Briefly assess the context to identify which categories of biases or models are most relevant.
2. Consult References: Use the relevant reference files to identify specific biases or mental models.
   • Social & Influence: See references/social_biases.md for group dynamics and social pressure.
   • Logic & Probability: See references/probability_and_logic.md for statistical errors and risk assessment.
   • Decision Making: See references/decision_errors.md for choices, planning, and action.
   • Self-Perception: See references/self_perception.md for ego protection and information filtering.
   • Psychological Effects: See references/psychological_effects.md for emotional responses to value and ownership.
   • Foundational Models: See references/mental_models.md for core thinking frameworks.
3. Apply & Challenge: actively ask the user questions derived from these models. For example:
   • "Are you falling for the Sunk Cost Fallacy by continuing this just because you've already invested time?"
   • "How would this look if you applied Via Negativa (focusing on what not to do)?"
   • "Is Social Proof influencing your view on this?"
4. Structure the Output:
   • Diagnosis: Briefly list potential biases at play.
   • Challenge: Pose 1-3 specific questions or "thought experiments" to test the user's thinking.
   • Framework: Suggest a mental model to use (e.g., "Invert the problem").
   • Recommendation: A concise summary of the improved thought process.

Measurable Outcomes

Aim to help the user achieve:
* Reduced Decision Time: By cutting through confusion with clear models.
* Improved Quality: By mitigating specific errors (e.g., avoiding a bad investment due to Sunk Cost).
* Increased Confidence: By providing a structured rationale for their choice.