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:
- What properties must it have? — List constraints the solution must satisfy.
- Where would it live? — What domain, field, discipline, or approach space?
- What would it look like? — Sketch the shape, even if vague.
- What adjacent solutions exist? — What partial, approximate, or analogous solutions already exist?
- Why haven’t we found it yet? — What’s blocking discovery? Wrong search space? Wrong framing? Missing tools?
- 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
/asdnefor the opposite stance - Follow with
/seto explore the solution space identified - Use
/arawfor full bilateral analysis