first-principles-mode

Analyze complex problems through mechanism-level read-only analysis with adversarial explanation testing.

2|Updated Feb 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/nodatall/primedirective --skill first-principles-mode
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: first-principles-mode
Source: https://github.com/nodatall/primedirective/tree/main/skills/first-principles-mode
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/nodatall/primedirective --skill first-principles-mode

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill eliminates shallow, surface-level answers to complex, ambiguous, or repeated-failure problems by running a deep, mechanism-level read-only analysis that tests competing explanations before offering any implementation judgment.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Adversarial Council Protocol: Runs a multi-lane adversarial review with structured rebuttal rounds to test competing explanations, surface hidden constraints, and avoid groupthink for high-leverage or ambiguous questions.
  • Optional Research Escalation: Supports --deep-research for live web-backed checks of current operator practice and external sources, and --pro-analysis for ChatGPT Pro browser escalation to validate local findings against external expertise.
  • Use Case Example: Use this skill when your system keeps collapsing under load, a project plan has hidden reasoning gaps, or you need to understand the real root cause of a repeated failure before implementing fixes.

Quick Start

Use the first-principles-mode skill to run a deep read-only analysis of your ambiguous hard problem or repeated system failure, with adversarial testing of competing explanations, before implementing any fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions about first-principles-mode

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

FAQPage Schema
What is first principles analysis for complex engineering problems?

First principles analysis breaks down complex engineering problems into fundamental mechanisms, using an adaptive read-only pass that widens the search space before narrowing to tested explanations.

How do I perform root cause analysis on repeated system failures?

Root cause analysis for repeated system failures requires a deep, mechanism-level read-only examination that tests competing explanations via an adversarial council protocol before offering any implementation judgment.

How does adversarial review work for architecture risk assessment?

Adversarial review for architecture risk assessment runs a multi-lane protocol with structured rebuttal rounds to test competing explanations, surface hidden constraints, and avoid groupthink for high-leverage questions.

Can I use web-backed deep research to test project plan gaps?

Yes, you can use the deep research escalation to run live web-backed checks of current operator practice and external sources, validating local findings against external expertise for plan pressure-testing.

What is the best way to pressure-test a project plan before implementation?

The best way to pressure-test a project plan is a read-only analysis that applies first-principles problem solving, using an adversarial council to surface hidden reasoning gaps before implementing fixes.