Critical Thinking Prompts

Introduction

Critical thinking prompts force the model to consider counterarguments, alternative explanations, and biases. They're how you stop sycophantic 'yes, you're right!' answers.

Beginner analogy: Like a devil's advocate at a meeting — uncomfortable but valuable.

Understanding the topic

Core concepts to understand:

• Instruction: 'List 2 reasons this could be wrong before answering.'
• Reduces sycophancy & confirmation bias.
• Great for strategy, investments, and high-stakes decisions.
• Add: 'Consider an opposing expert's view.'

Syntax reference

Visual workflow / architecture:

Pattern:
  1. State the proposition.
  2. List 2 reasons it could be wrong.
  3. List 2 reasons it could be right.
  4. Conclude.

Real-world use

Used in due-diligence AI, investment memos, and any analysis where being agreeable is worse than being right.

Best practices

• Force balanced numbers (2 for, 2 against).
• Demand citations or sources for each side.
• Show the user both sides before the verdict.

Hands-on exercise

Interview preparation — practice these questions:

• Q1. Why critical-thinking prompts?
• Q2. How prevent sycophancy?
• Q3. Use cases?
• Q4. Risks?