hostile-reader

Stress-tests philosophical arguments by formulating the strongest evidence-based objections against a text.

Updated Sep 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jkutianski/Rizome-and-AI --skill hostile-reader-jkutianski
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hostile-reader
Source: https://github.com/jkutianski/Rizome-and-AI/tree/main/.agents/skills/hostile-reader
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jkutianski/Rizome-and-AI --skill hostile-reader-jkutianski

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Philosophical and essayistic works often contain hidden premises, unsupported causal claims, or conceptual overreach that sympathetic readers miss. This Skill performs a rigorous adversarial reading that attacks the strongest version of each argument to determine which claims actually survive scrutiny. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Strongest-Objection Analysis: Reconstructs each major claim charitably, then formulates the strongest serious objection an informed unsympathetic reader could raise, with severity classification (Critical through Non-Problematic) and confidence levels. - Domain-Specific Attack Vectors: Provides targeted tests for rhizomatic architecture, map/territory distinctions, node differentiation, causality, emergence, anthropomorphism, technological determinism, power, knowledge, and AI-writing reflexivity. - Structured Verdicts: Each objection ends in a decision state (Survives, Partially Vulnerable, Vulnerable, etc.) with a concrete recommendation, avoiding manufactured criticism. - Use Case: Before publishing a philosophical essay on AI and the rhizome, run a hostile reading to discover whether the central thesis withstands its strongest counterargument and which passages need qualification. ## Quick Start Read my manuscript as a philosophically hostile reader and report the strongest objections with severity and confidence ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about hostile-reader

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I stress-test a philosophical argument before publication?

Use a hostile reading approach: reconstruct each major claim in its strongest form, then formulate the strongest serious objection against it using textual evidence. Classify each finding by severity and confidence, and check whether the text already contains resources to answer the objection.

What is the difference between hostile reading and proofreading?

Hostile reading targets argumentative validity, not grammar or style. It attacks the strongest version of claims to find hidden premises, causal leaps, and conceptual overreach, whereas proofreading only corrects surface-level errors in expression.

Can hostile reading conclude that an objection fails?

Yes. A rigorous hostile reading is proportionate and evidence-based, so it can classify an apparent objection as non-problematic when the text adequately supports the claim. Manufacturing criticism to satisfy the role is explicitly prohibited.

How are hostile reading findings classified by severity?

Findings use five levels: Critical (threatens central claims or architecture), Important (weakens a major claim), Local (affects a limited passage), Stylistic (expression issues), and Non-Problematic (objection does not survive examination), each paired with a confidence rating.

When should I not use adversarial objection analysis?

Avoid it for texts that make no argumentative claims, such as pure narrative or reference documentation. It is also unsuitable when you need copyediting, fact-checking of empirical data, or simple summarization rather than conceptual stress-testing.