Explain a concept through counterfactuals
Use to understand why something is the way it is by imagining how it could have been otherwise.
Explain {{concept}} by exploring counterfactuals.
First, state the concept normally in 3 sentences.
Then run these thought experiments:
1. What if this concept did not exist at all? What breaks?
2. What if the key variable were doubled? Halved? Reversed?
3. What is the closest alternative design that nature or people chose NOT to use, and why?
Use each counterfactual to surface a property of the concept I would have missed otherwise. Finish with the one insight that only became visible by imagining the alternatives.Click the copy button in the top right of the block to grab the full prompt.
Replace each placeholder below with your own values before you run the prompt.
- {{concept}}
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