Method Derivation

Overview

Derive the appropriate method from the situation rather than assuming a method and applying it. The method should follow from what is known about the problem, not from habit or familiarity.

Steps

Step 1: Characterize the situation

Before choosing any method, identify:

• What kind of problem is this?
• What are the actual constraints?
• What resources are available?
• What does success look like?
• What has been tried before (if anything)?

Step 2: Consider multiple methods

Generate at least three distinct approaches:

• One that seems natural/obvious
• One that is opposite or contrarian
• One from a different domain entirely

Step 3: Evaluate fit to situation

For each method, ask:

• What does this method assume about the situation?
• Do those assumptions hold here?
• What would this method fail to address?
• What would tell me this method is wrong?

Step 4: Derive the method

The method follows from the situation, not the reverse:

• Given these characteristics + constraints → this approach
• The reasoning chain should be visible
• The method should be questionable (can be wrong)

Step 5: Question the derivation

The derivation itself can be wrong:

• Did I characterize the situation correctly?
• Did I consider genuinely different methods?
• Is my evaluation of fit based on evidence?
• Am I still defaulting to familiarity?

If any doubt: revisit earlier steps.

Verification

{‘how_to_know_its_working’: [‘Methods fit situations rather than being forced’, ‘Multiple approaches genuinely considered’, ‘Reasoning chain from situation to method is visible’, ‘Method can be questioned and revised’], ‘how_to_know_its_not_working’: [‘Same method applied to different situations’, ‘Method chosen before situation understood’, ‘No visible reasoning for why this method’, ‘Method defended instead of questioned’]}