Stress-test ideas with counterpoints

Why counterpoints matter

Strong ideas survive scrutiny. The Counter tool generates 1-3 logical counterpoints that challenge your argument's core assumptions using rigorous reasoning.

Each counterpoint presents a bold opposing claim followed by clear evidence or logic, helping you see what you might have missed before you commit.

Common use cases

• Product decisions: Challenge feature proposals with contradictory evidence
• Technical design: Expose architecture assumptions and scope limitations
• Research: Find alternative interpretations before peer review
• Strategy: Identify contexts where your plan might fail

What you'll get

Each counterpoint includes:

• Bold opposing claim: A concise alternative interpretation
• Reasoning: 1-2 sentences explaining the logical or factual challenge
• Format: Clean markdown list for easy scanning

The tool focuses on logical and factual challenges—no emotional appeals or weak arguments.

How to engage with counterpoints

Don't dismiss them reflexively. Each counterpoint reveals:

• Alternative contexts you didn't consider
• Contradictory evidence that weakens your case
• Scope limitations that affect validity

For each counterpoint, evaluate:

1. Is this valid? Does it identify a real weakness?
2. How significant? What's the impact if this is true?
3. Can I address it? What would mitigate this risk?

Best practices

Run Counter before finalizing decisions, not after you've locked into a direction. Confirmation bias is strongest once you're committed.

Take each counterpoint seriously. Ask: "What would need to be true for this challenge to be valid?" Then verify if those conditions exist.

Combine with Question for comprehensive critical analysis: Question reveals blind spots, Counter provides opposing viewpoints.

Document your responses to counterpoints. When stakeholders raise objections, you'll have thoughtful answers ready.