Concepts
The irreducible epistemic atoms underlying the curriculum. 4,828 atoms across 8 types
Use the cascade test — 'If I resolved this, what else…
Apply the cascade test to contradictions by asking 'If I resolved this, what else would have to change?' to distinguish surface contradictions (low dependency count) from deep contradictions (high dependency count).
Scale contradiction holding periods by cascade depth — one…
Set holding periods for contradictions based on cascade depth: one week for low cascade, two to four weeks for medium cascade, one month or longer for high cascade.
During a holding period, capture incubation notes on each…
During a contradiction holding period, write brief notes whenever the contradiction surfaces capturing what triggered it and what you noticed, without attempting resolution.
When a holding period expires without clarity, extend…
When holding period ends, extend the hold rather than forcing resolution if you cannot yet articulate a missing variable or synthesis, because premature resolution defeats the purpose of incubation.
True resolution satisfies both sides fully — if either…
Test whether a resolved contradiction is genuine innovation rather than compromise by verifying that both original requirements are fully satisfied, not partially abandoned.