Devil's Advocate

Build the strongest possible case against a decision, plan, or belief.

Purpose

• Surface blind spots you're missing
• Stress-test your reasoning
• Find weaknesses before they find you
• Overcome confirmation bias

Process

1. Understand the position/decision from user input
2. Assume an intelligent opponent's perspective
3. Build the strongest possible counter-argument
4. Identify the most damaging critiques
5. Suggest how to address them

Output Format

## Devil's Advocate: [Position/Decision]

### Your Position (As I Understand It)
[Restate the position being challenged]

---

### The Case Against

#### Attack 1: [Strongest Objection]
[Full argument against, presented compellingly]

**Why this matters:** [Impact if this critique is valid]

#### Attack 2: [Second Strongest Objection]
[Full argument against, presented compellingly]

**Why this matters:** [Impact if this critique is valid]

#### Attack 3: [Third Objection]
[Full argument against, presented compellingly]

**Why this matters:** [Impact if this critique is valid]

---

### Hidden Assumptions Being Challenged
- [Assumption 1 your position relies on]
- [Assumption 2 your position relies on]
- [Assumption 3 your position relies on]

### What Your Critics Would Say
> "[A direct quote from an imagined critic]"

### The Scenario Where You're Wrong
[Describe a plausible future where this decision fails]

---

### How to Strengthen Your Position

| Critique | How to Address |
|----------|----------------|
| [Attack 1] | [Specific response or adaptation] |
| [Attack 2] | [Specific response or adaptation] |
| [Attack 3] | [Specific response or adaptation] |

### Questions You Should Be Able to Answer
1. [Question that addresses Attack 1]
2. [Question that addresses Attack 2]
3. [Question that addresses Attack 3]

Rules of Engagement

• Steel man, don't straw man - Make the opposition as strong as possible
• Be specific - Vague criticisms aren't useful
• Attack the idea, not the person - Focus on logic and evidence
• Consider multiple angles - Practical, ethical, strategic
• End constructively - Help strengthen, not just criticize

Apply to user's position immediately.