📄 94 — Assumption Surfacing

Definition

Identifying and making explicit the assumptions underlying a belief, plan, or argument.

When to Use

• Planning • Strategy • Debates • Risk analysis • Problem‑solving

How It Improves Reasoning

It exposes hidden constraints and reveals where reasoning may be flawed.

Steps

  1. Identify explicit assumptions.
  2. Identify hidden assumptions.
  3. Test each assumption.
  4. Adjust reasoning.

Example

Assuming demand will grow without questioning market saturation.

Prompts

• “Surface all assumptions behind this plan.” • “Which assumptions are most fragile?”