Tier 4

ase - Assume Solution Exists

Assume Solution Exists

Input: $ARGUMENTS


Core Move

Temporarily adopt the assumption: a solution to this problem definitely exists. Don’t question whether — ask what, where, and what shape.

This is useful when you’re stuck in “is this even solvable?” loops. By forcing existence, you shift from possibility-checking to solution-hunting.


Procedure

Step 1: State the Problem

Precisely state the problem or challenge from the input.

Step 2: Force the Assumption

State explicitly: “A solution exists. It is real and findable.”

Step 3: Trace Implications

If a solution exists:

  1. What properties must it have? — List constraints the solution must satisfy.
  2. Where would it live? — What domain, field, discipline, or approach space?
  3. What would it look like? — Sketch the shape, even if vague.
  4. What adjacent solutions exist? — What partial, approximate, or analogous solutions already exist?
  5. Why haven’t we found it yet? — What’s blocking discovery? Wrong search space? Wrong framing? Missing tools?
  6. Who would have found it? — What kind of person, team, or field would have encountered this solution?

Step 4: Test the Assumption

Now critically examine: is the assumption that a solution exists actually warranted?

  • What evidence supports existence?
  • What evidence suggests non-existence?
  • Is this an empirical question or a logical one?
  • Could the problem be ill-posed (no solution because the question is wrong)?

Step 5: Synthesize

PROBLEM: [stated]
ASSUMING SOLUTION EXISTS:
  Must satisfy: [constraints]
  Likely lives in: [domain/space]
  Looks like: [shape]
  Blocked by: [what's preventing discovery]
EXISTENCE CONFIDENCE: [high/medium/low with reasoning]
NEXT MOVE: [specific action to find or verify]

When to Use

  • Stuck in feasibility paralysis
  • Need to shift from “can we?” to “how do we?”
  • Want to map the solution space before judging solvability

Integration

  • Pair with /asdne for the opposite stance
  • Follow with /se to explore the solution space identified
  • Use /araw for full bilateral analysis