[[Peak performance]] tags:: #note/idea | #on/questions | #on/inquiry dates:: 2022-03-27 *I make a space for the opposite argument to be well made.* This reminds me of [[premortem]] as a way of preventing [[Premature Closure]] It's kind of like [[System 1]] being your first idea, and the methodical [[System 2]] can come in and balance the first instinct, if you make space for it. Socratic Questioning is a process of asking why someone believes what they believe, with an active search for the BEST evidence against those thinking. It is a STEEL-man argument, not a straw-man, where you highlight the best contrary thinking in order to ensure your ideas are strong. This matters because although our first ideas are good, and effective, they can often be wrong if blinded by our [[cognitive biases]], so it's important to make space to question our thinking, so I [[don't fall in love with your first idea]]. ### What would the opposite argument be? There are two approaches to applying [[inversion]] in your life. Start by assuming that what you’re trying to prove is either true or false, then show what else would have to be true. Instead of aiming directly for your goal, think deeply about what you want to avoid and then see what options are left over. [[The Great Mental Models Volume 1]] P. **Socratic questioning** Socratic questioning is a form of disciplined questioning that can be used to pursue thought in many directions and for many purposes, including: to explore complex ideas, to get to the truth of things, to open up issues and problems, to uncover assumptions, to analyze concepts, to distinguish what we know from what we do not know, to follow out logical consequences of thought or to control discussions. Socratic questioning is based on the foundation that thinking has structured logic, and allows underlying thoughts to be questioned. The key to distinguishing Socratic questioning from questioning per se is that the former is systematic, disciplined, deep and usually focuses on fundamental concepts, principles, theories, issues or problems. > [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socratic%20questioning) ## Sources: [[The Great Mental Models Volume 1]] [[Thinking Fast and Slow]]