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StepowskiEric
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steelmanning-skill

Test recommendations against the strongest opposing view using a structured steelman workflow.

1|Updated Apr 19, 2026
Search Tags:#validation#problem-solving#risk-assessment#decision-making#critical-thinking#steelmanning#bias-avoidance
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/StepowskiEric/Jerrys-agent-skills --skill steelmanning-skill
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: steelmanning-skill
Source: https://github.com/StepowskiEric/Jerrys-agent-skills/tree/main/.agents/skills/judgment-and-routing/steelmanning-skill
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/StepowskiEric/Jerrys-agent-skills --skill steelmanning-skill

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Steelmanning helps ensure recommendations aren't biased by quickly dismissing opposing viewpoints, leading to more reliable decisions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured steelman workflow: state current recommendation, identify strongest opposing position, build the steelman, evaluate weaknesses, and articulate residual tension.
  • Decision quality for high-stakes scenarios: useful in product, engineering, and strategy decisions where long-term impact matters.
  • Risk mitigation and transparency: creates a credible rationale by testing assumptions against the best counterarguments.

Quick Start

Provide your current recommendation and have the system generate the strongest opposing argument to test it.

Frequently Asked Questions about steelmanning-skill

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I use steelmanning to validate product recommendations?▼

You test recommendations by stating your current position, identifying the strongest opposing view, building a structured counterargument, and evaluating residual tension to expose bias and validate high-stakes decisions.

What is the steelman argument framework for risk assessment?▼

A steelman framework for risk assessment constructs the strongest possible opposing view to your recommendation, ensuring you test assumptions against the best counterarguments rather than weak strawman objections.

When should I test decisions against opposing viewpoints?▼

Test decisions against opposing viewpoints in high-stakes product, engineering, or strategy scenarios where long-term impact matters and cognitive bias could mislead outcomes.

Can I apply critical thinking workflows to bias avoidance without external dependencies?▼

Yes, structured critical thinking workflows for bias avoidance operate independently without external dependencies, requiring only a clear current recommendation and an identified opposing position to function.

What's the best way to articulate residual tension after building a steelman?▼

The best way to articulate residual tension is using a structured evaluation rubric to assess remaining weaknesses in your original recommendation after testing it against the steelman, documenting trade-offs transparently.

Why does bias avoidance require evaluating opposing positions in decision-making?▼

Bias avoidance requires evaluating opposing positions because quickly dismissing counterarguments misleads outcomes, whereas constructing the strongest opposing view creates credible rationale and more reliable decisions.

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