fpf-methodology

# First Principles Framework (FPF)

Structured reasoning for AI coding tools — make better decisions, remember why you made them.

## When to Use This Skill

**Activate FPF for:**

- Architectural decisions with long-term consequences
- Multiple viable approaches requiring systematic evaluation
- Need auditable reasoning trail for team/future reference
- Complex problems requiring hypothesis → verification cycle
- Building up project knowledge base over time

**Skip FPF for:**

- Quick fixes, obvious solutions
- Easily reversible decisions
- Time-critical situations where overhead isn't justified

## Core Concept

The core cycle follows three modes of inference:

1. **Abduction** — Generate competing hypotheses (don't anchor on the first idea)
2. **Deduction** — Verify logic and constraints (does the idea make sense?)
3. **Induction** — Gather evidence through tests or research (does the idea work in reality?)

Then, audit for bias, decide, and document the rationale in a durable record.

## Assurance Levels

Knowledge claims are tracked at different assurance levels:

| Level       | Name        | Description                          |
| ----------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **L0**      | Observation | Unverified hypothesis or note        |
| **L1**      | Reasoned    | Passed logical consistency check     |
| **L2**      | Verified    | Empirically tested and confirmed     |
| **Invalid** | Disproved   | Disproved claims (kept for learning) |

## Commands

Use the following slash commands in order:

| #   | Command           | Phase      | What it does                                   |
| --- | ----------------- | ---------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| 0   | `/q0-init`        | Setup      | Initialize `.quint/` structure                 |
| 1   | `/q1-hypothesize` | Abduction  | Generate hypotheses → `L0/`                    |
| 1b  | `/q1-add`         | Abduction  | Inject user hypothesis → `L0/`