devils-advocate

Critique document arguments through strategic thesis challenges and tactical validation rounds.

6|Updated Feb 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dangeles/claude --skill devils-advocate-dangeles
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: devils-advocate
Source: https://github.com/dangeles/claude/tree/main/claude-config/skills/devils-advocate
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dangeles/claude --skill devils-advocate-dangeles

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a structured, collaborative adversarial review workflow that forces thorough scrutiny of substantive documents, surfacing gaps, weak evidence, and misaligned claims before editorial polish.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured two-level thinking: Strategic thesis critique followed by tactical validation.
  • Two-way pairing workflow: Writer drafts, Devil's Advocate challenges, and Writer responds.
  • Thesis-focused challenges: Focus on claims critical to the document's thesis to ensure coherence.
  • Documentation of uncertainties: Capture unresolved questions for Editor review.
  • Templates and prompts: Guidance for generating high-quality challenges and responses.

Quick Start

Initiate a pairing session: Writer drafts a document, Devil's Advocate challenges, Writer responds, repeat up to two exchanges, then hand off to Editor for final polish.

Frequently Asked Questions about devils-advocate

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I use adversarial review to strengthen arguments in a research draft?

Adversarial review strengthens arguments by forcing a two-level critique of your research draft, targeting strategic thesis coherence and tactical evidence validation. It pairs a writer with an advocate who challenges weak claims, surfacing gaps before final editorial polish.

What is the pairing workflow for document critique and uncertainty documentation?

The pairing workflow iteratively exchanges document drafts and challenges between a writer and an advocate for up to two rounds. This process captures unresolved questions and outputs a consolidated challenge-and-response log for editors to review.

Can I apply devil's advocate critique to synthesis documents across any domain?

Yes, devil's advocate critique applies to research drafts, reviews, and synthesis documents across any domain. It enforces a structured frontmatter-driven prompt to ensure arguments are consistently challenged regardless of the subject matter.

How do I document uncertainties and unresolved questions during thesis validation?

Document uncertainties during thesis validation by logging unresolved questions within the writer-advocate exchange. The workflow captures these challenges and responses in a consolidated log, ensuring editors can review and address remaining substantive gaps.

What's the best way to challenge weak evidence before editorial polish?

The best way to challenge weak evidence is using a two-level workflow that enforces strategic thesis critique followed by tactical validation. This iterative pairing process identifies misaligned claims and outputs a structured log for editors before final polish.