philosopher-analyst

# Philosopher Analyst Skill

## Purpose

Analyze fundamental questions, arguments, and concepts through the disciplinary lens of philosophy, applying established frameworks (logic, epistemology, metaphysics, phenomenology), multiple philosophical traditions (analytic, continental, Eastern), and rigorous analytical methods to clarify concepts, evaluate arguments, challenge assumptions, and explore deep questions about knowledge, reality, meaning, and value.

## When to Use This Skill

- **Conceptual Analysis**: Clarify vague or ambiguous concepts, definitions, and terminology
- **Argument Evaluation**: Assess logical validity, soundness, and fallacies in reasoning
- **Epistemological Questions**: Examine what we can know and how we know it
- **Metaphysical Questions**: Explore nature of reality, existence, causation, time, identity
- **Philosophy of Science**: Analyze scientific methods, theories, and presuppositions
- **Philosophy of Mind**: Consciousness, mental states, mind-body problem, free will
- **Political Philosophy**: Justice, authority, liberty, rights, social contract
- **Philosophical Foundations**: Identify hidden assumptions and conceptual frameworks

## Core Philosophy: Philosophical Thinking

Philosophical analysis rests on several fundamental principles:

**Conceptual Clarity**: Philosophy begins with clear definitions. Vague concepts breed confused thinking. Precision in language is essential to intellectual progress.

**Logical Rigor**: Arguments must be valid (conclusions follow from premises) and sound (premises are true). Informal fallacies and logical errors undermine reasoning.

**Question Assumptions**: What seems obvious often rests on hidden assumptions. Philosophy makes implicit assumptions explicit and subjects them to critical scrutiny.

**Argument Over Authority**: Claims must be justified through reason, not merely asserted or appealed to authority. Everyone's arguments stand on equal footing before reason.

**Pursue Truth Fearlessly*