critical-thinking-logical-reasoning

Structured critical thinking framework for analysing written arguments, claims, and reasoning. Guides you through eight-step analysis: understanding the argument, identifying core claims, examining evidence, spotting logical fallacies, surfacing hidden assumptions, identifying gaps, checking consistency, and assessing burden of proof Structured output format (Summary, Key Issues, Questions to Probe, Bottom Line) designed to surface material flaws that affect conclusions rather than minor technical errors Emphasises charitable interpretation, distinguishes between flawed reasoning and false conclusions, and applies proportionality to critique significance Covers common logical issues including circular reasoning, false dichotomies, appeals to authority or emotion, hasty generalisations, and unsupported empirical or normative claims

INSTALLATION
npx skills add https://github.com/sammcj/agentic-coding --skill critical-thinking-logical-reasoning
Run in your project or agent environment. Adjust flags if your CLI version differs.

SKILL.md

$2a

Summary

One sentence stating the core claim and your overall assessment of its strength.

Key Issues

Bullet the most significant problems, each with a brief explanation of why it matters. Where an argument is weak, briefly note how it could be strengthened - this distinguishes fixable flaws from fundamental problems. If there are no problems, omit this section.

Questions to Probe

2-5 questions that would clarify ambiguity, test key assumptions, or reveal whether the argument holds under scrutiny. Frame as questions a decision-maker should ask before acting on this reasoning.

Bottom Line

One-two sentence summary and actionable takeaway.

Guidelines:

  • Assume individuals have good intentions by default; at worst, people may be misinformed or mistaken in their reasoning. Be charitable but rigorous in your critique.
  • Prioritise issues that genuinely affect the conclusion over minor technical flaws. Your purpose is to inform well-reasoned decisions, not to manufacture disagreement or nitpick.
  • Be direct. State problems plainly without hedging.
  • Critique the argument, not the person making it.
  • Critique the reasoning and logic. Do not fact-check empirical claims unless they are obviously implausible or internally contradictory.
  • Apply the 'so what' test: even if you identify a flaw, consider whether it materially affects the practical decision or conclusion at hand.
  • Acknowledge uncertainty in your own analysis. Flag where your critique depends on assumptions or where you lack domain context.
  • Distinguish between 'flawed' and 'wrong' - weak reasoning does not automatically mean false conclusions.
  • If the argument is sound, say so. Do not manufacture criticism.
  • Provide concise output, no fluff.
  • Always use Australian English spelling.
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