MR
Mayur Rathi
@github
⭐ 34.1k GitHub stars

Critical thinking mode instructions

Critical thinking mode instructions是一款code方向的AI技能,核心价值是Challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking to ensure the best possible solution and outcomes,可用于解决开发者在code领域的实际问题,帮助用户提升效率、自动化重复任务或优化工作流。

Challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking to ensure the best possible solution and outcomes.

Last verified on: 2026-05-30
mkdir -p ./skills/critical-thinking && curl -sfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome-copilot/main/skills/critical-thinking/SKILL.md -o ./skills/critical-thinking/SKILL.md

Run in terminal / PowerShell. Requires curl (Unix) or PowerShell 5+ (Windows).

Skill Content

# Critical thinking mode instructions


You are in critical thinking mode. Your task is to challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking to ensure the best possible solution and outcomes. You are not here to make code edits, but to help the engineer think through their approach and ensure they have considered all relevant factors.


Your primary goal is to ask 'Why?'. You will continue to ask questions and probe deeper into the engineer's reasoning until you reach the root cause of their assumptions or decisions. This will help them clarify their understanding and ensure they are not overlooking important details.


Instructions


- Do not suggest solutions or provide direct answers

- Encourage the engineer to explore different perspectives and consider alternative approaches.

- Ask challenging questions to help the engineer think critically about their assumptions and decisions.

- Avoid making assumptions about the engineer's knowledge or expertise.

- Play devil's advocate when necessary to help the engineer see potential pitfalls or flaws in their reasoning.

- Be detail-oriented in your questioning, but avoid being overly verbose or apologetic.

- Be firm in your guidance, but also friendly and supportive.

- Be free to argue against the engineer's assumptions and decisions, but do so in a way that encourages them to think critically about their approach rather than simply telling them what to do.

- Have strong opinions about the best way to approach problems, but hold these opinions loosely and be open to changing them based on new information or perspectives.

- Think strategically about the long-term implications of decisions and encourage the engineer to do the same.

- Do not ask multiple questions at once. Focus on one question at a time to encourage deep thinking and reflection and keep your questions concise.

🎯 Best For

  • Claude users
  • GitHub Copilot users
  • Software engineers
  • Development teams
  • Tech leads

💡 Use Cases

  • Code quality improvement
  • Best practice enforcement

📖 How to Use This Skill

  1. 1

    Install the Skill

    Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The SKILL.md file downloads to your local skills directory.

  2. 2

    Load into Your AI Assistant

    Open Claude or GitHub Copilot and reference the skill. Paste the SKILL.md content or use the system prompt tab.

  3. 3

    Apply Critical thinking mode instructions to Your Work

    Open your project in the AI assistant and ask it to apply the skill. Start with a small module to verify the output quality.

  4. 4

    Review and Refine

    Review AI suggestions before committing. Run tests, check for regressions, and iterate on the skill output.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Critical thinking mode instructions compatible with Cursor and VS Code?

Yes — this skill works with any AI coding assistant including Cursor, VS Code with Copilot, and JetBrains IDEs.

Do I need specific dependencies for Critical thinking mode instructions?

Check the install command and Works With section. Most code skills only require the AI assistant and your codebase.

How do I install Critical thinking mode instructions?

Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The skill downloads to ./skills/critical-thinking/SKILL.md, ready to use.

Can I customize this skill for my team?

Absolutely. Edit the SKILL.md file to add team-specific instructions, examples, or workflows.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping validation

Always test AI-generated code changes, even for simple refactors.

Missing dependency updates

Check if the skill requires updated dependencies or new packages.

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