Agent skill · research science · aiskillstore
reasoning-dialectical
Synthesize competing positions through structured thesis-antithesis-synthesis process. Use when stakeholders disagree, trade-offs exist, or multiple valid perspectives need integration. Produces integrated positions with acknowledged trade-offs.
Why this skill is useful
Provides a structured methodology for integrating competing stakeholder perspectives that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 6k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-07. 405 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Dialectical Reasoning Synthesize opposing views into higher-order resolution. The logic of productive disagreement. Type Signature When to Use Use dialectical when: Stakeholders hold opposing valid positions Trade-offs need explicit analysis Strategic tension requires resolution Multiple perspectives each have merit "On one hand... on the other" situations Don't use when: Cause-effect chain needed → Use Causal Explaining observation → Use Abductive Evaluating past decisions → Use Counterfactual Core Principles Charitable Interpretation Each position must be represented at its strongest: Steel-man, don't straw-man Assume good faith and valid reasoning Identify the kernel of truth in each view Genuine Synthesis Synthesis is NOT: Compromise (splitting the difference) Victory (one side wins) Avoidance (postpone decision) Synthesis IS: Integration at higher level of abstraction Resolution that addresses underlying concerns New position that transcends original framing Three-Stage Process Stage 1: Thesis Purpose: Articulate first position at maximum strength. Components: Example: Stage 2: Antithesis Purpose: Articulate counter-position at maximum strength. Process: 1. Identify what thesis misses or undervalues 2. Find stakeholder with opposing view 3. Build strongest case for alternative 4. Identify where thesis assumptions break Components: Example: Stage 3: Synthesis Purpose: Integrate positions at higher level, resolving underlying tensions. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills aiskillstore/reasoning-dialectical