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textbook-grounding skill

/textbook-grounding

This skill grounds SAQ/VIVA responses with textbook-based syntheses and citations across sources, delivering validated, exam-optimized explanations.

npx playbooks add skill zpankz/mcp-skillset --skill textbook-grounding

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SKILL.md
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---
name: textbook-grounding
description: "Orthogonally-integrated Hegelian syntopical analysis for SAQ/VIVA/concept grounding with systematic textbook citations. Implements thesis extraction → antithesis identification → abductive synthesis across multiple authoritative sources. Tensor-integrated with /m command: activates S×T×L synergies (textbook-grounding × pdf-search × qmd = 0.95). Triggers on requests for model SAQ responses, VIVA preparation, concept explanations requiring textbook evidence, or any PEX exam content needing systematic cross-reference validation."
version: "2.0.0"
triggers:
  - "SAQ model response"
  - "VIVA preparation"
  - "textbook grounding"
  - "cross-reference"
  - "syntopical analysis"
  - "PEX exam"
  - "CICM primary"
  - "ANZCA primary"
  - "medical textbook search"
  - "evidence synthesis"
  - "multi-source citation"
  - "academic grounding"
tensor_integration:
  dimension: S (Skills)
  synergies:
    S×T: [pdf-search, perplexity, deepgraph]
    S×L: [pdf-brain, docling, qmd, nu]
    S×S: [saq, dialectical, critique, constraints, deep-research]
    S×A: [researcher, gemini]
  cross_dimensional_score: 0.95
---

# Textbook Grounding v2.0

> **λ**: Query → Tensor Activation → Syntopical Analysis → Grounded Response with Citations

Generate examination-optimized responses grounded in systematic cross-textbook analysis using Hegelian dialectical synthesis with orthogonal tensor integration.

## Core Philosophy

### Syntopical Reading (Mortimer Adler)
The highest level of reading—comparing multiple authoritative sources on the same topic to synthesize understanding unavailable from any single source.

### Hegelian Dialectic
> "A higher level of understanding and insight could be achieved by creating the two most diametrically opposed viewpoints, the mutual contradiction being reconciled on a higher level of truth."
> — [Model of Dialectical Learning](https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-1-4614-3858-8_493)

- **Thesis**: Each textbook's interpretation/claim
- **Antithesis**: Contradictions, variations, nuances across sources
- **Synthesis**: Universal principles emerging from resolved tensions

### Orthogonal Tensor Integration
This skill participates in the 5D tensor routing space:
- **S dimension**: Activates [saq, dialectical, critique, constraints]
- **T dimension**: Integrates [pdf-search, perplexity, relate]
- **L dimension**: Leverages [pdf-brain, docling, qmd]
- **Cross-dimensional synergy**: S×T×L = 0.95

## Architecture v2.0

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                  ORTHOGONAL TEXTBOOK GROUNDING PIPELINE                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                             │
│  Φ0: TENSOR ACTIVATE ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Score dimensions, detect synergies, compose execution plan          │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ1: QUERY DECOMPOSE ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Parse topic, domains, complexity; route to skill stack              │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ2: PARALLEL SEARCH ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Multi-query semantic search across pdf-embeddings + web             │
│      └─ Execute via T×L synergy: pdf-search × pdf-brain × docling           │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ3: THESIS EXTRACTION ───────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Extract T_i from each source with page-level citations              │
│      └─ Classify: definitional | mechanistic | quantitative | clinical      │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ4: ANTITHESIS DETECTION ────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Compare thesis pairs for tensions A_ij                              │
│      └─ Classify: contradiction | refinement | extension | context_dependent│
│                                                                             │
│  Φ5: DIALECTICAL SYNTHESIS ───────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Invoke dialectical skill for α-β-γ structure                        │
│      └─ Apply constraints skill for deontic obligations                     │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ6: MULTI-LENS CRITIQUE ─────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ STRUCTURAL × EVIDENTIAL × SCOPE × ADVERSARIAL × PRAGMATIC           │
│      └─ Per-thesis evaluation with aggregate scoring                        │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ7: ABDUCTIVE SYNTHESIS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Abduce minimal universal principles S resolving tensions            │
│      └─ Validate: ∀T_i. ∃s ∈ S. subsumes(s, T_i)                            │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ8: RESPONSE GENERATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Invoke saq skill for template routing                               │
│      └─ Apply symbol lexicon, word count constraints                        │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ9: CITATION WEAVING ────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│      └─ Systematic footnote generation with page references                 │
│      └─ Apply deontic constraints: O(cite), O(page), F(uncited)             │
│                                                                             │
│  Φ10: VALIDATION & QA ────────────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│       └─ Coverage, parsimony, confidence floor checks                       │
│       └─ Examiner expectation alignment                                     │
│                                                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

## Phase Execution Details

### Φ0: Tensor Activation

When invoked via `/m`, this skill receives tensor context:

```yaml
tensor_context:
  prompt: "{original_query}"
  activated_dimensions:
    C: sc:document (0.70)
    A: researcher (0.75)
    S: textbook-grounding (0.95), saq (0.90), dialectical (0.80), critique (0.75)
    T: perplexity (0.65), pdf-search (0.90)
    L: pdf-brain (0.90), docling (0.75), qmd (0.70)
  synergies:
    S×T×L: textbook-grounding × pdf-search × qmd = 0.95
    S×S×S: saq × dialectical × critique = 0.90
  execution_mode: sequential
```

**Synergy Exploitation:**
```
IF synergy(S×T×L) > 0.9:
    activate_parallel_search()  # pdf-brain + pdf-search + perplexity
IF synergy(S×S×S) > 0.85:
    chain_skill_stack()  # dialectical → critique → saq
```

### Φ1: Query Decomposition

```yaml
inputs:
  query: "Describe the pharmacology of propofol with textbook citations"
  context: ANZCA_primary | CICM_primary | VIVA | concept | academic

outputs:
  topic: "propofol pharmacology"
  domains: [pharmacology, anaesthetics, sedation, critical_care]
  question_verb: describe
  estimated_sources: 8-12
  complexity: standard | deep | comprehensive
  skill_stack: [textbook-grounding, dialectical, saq, critique]
  tool_stack: [pdf-search, pdf-brain, perplexity]
  cli_stack: [docling, qmd]
```

**Complexity Routing:**
```
IF context = VIVA OR context = comprehensive:
    complexity = deep
    search_depth = 25
    skill_chain = [dialectical, critique, constraints, saq]
ELIF context ∈ {ANZCA_primary, CICM_primary}:
    complexity = standard
    search_depth = 15
    skill_chain = [dialectical, saq]
ELIF context = academic:
    complexity = comprehensive
    search_depth = 30
    skill_chain = [dialectical, critique, deep-research]
ELSE:
    complexity = standard
    search_depth = 10
    skill_chain = [saq]
```

### Φ2: Parallel Search (T×L Synergy)

Execute multi-query semantic search across sources:

```bash
# Primary searches (parallel via T×L synergy)
pdf-search "{topic} {key_terms}" --limit {search_depth} &
pdf-brain search "{topic}" --semantic --top-k 10 &
docling convert *.pdf --extract-sections "{topic}" &

# Secondary enrichment (sequential)
perplexity search "{topic} latest research 2024 2025"
```

**Search Strategy Matrix:**

| Query Type | Tool | Purpose | Weight |
|:-----------|:-----|:--------|:-------|
| Core topic | pdf-search | Textbook passages | 0.40 |
| Mechanism | pdf-brain | Mechanistic detail | 0.25 |
| Clinical | perplexity | Current practice | 0.20 |
| Comparison | docling | Cross-source compare | 0.15 |

**Multi-Query Expansion:**
```
Primary: "{topic} {domain_terms}"
Mechanism: "how {topic} works mechanism"
Clinical: "{topic} clinical application"
Comparison: "{topic} vs alternatives"
Exceptions: "{topic} exceptions limitations"
```

### Φ3: Thesis Extraction

For each unique source, extract claims with full provenance:

```yaml
thesis:
  id: T_01
  source: "Middleton B et al. Physics in Anaesthesia. 3rd ed."
  page: 115
  chapter: "Fluid Dynamics"
  claim: "Reynolds number is dimensionless"
  claim_type: definitional | mechanistic | quantitative | clinical
  confidence: 0.95
  context: "The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity, i.e. it has no units."
  quote: true
  extraction_method: pdf-search | manual | perplexity

classification:
  definitional:
    description: "What something IS"
    priority: HIGH
    focus: "examine consensus across sources"
  mechanistic:
    description: "How something WORKS"
    priority: HIGH
    focus: "examine completeness of explanation"
  quantitative:
    description: "Numeric values/thresholds"
    priority: CRITICAL
    focus: "examine variation, cite ranges"
  clinical:
    description: "Application/relevance"
    priority: MEDIUM
    focus: "context-dependent, may vary by source"
```

### Φ4: Antithesis Detection

Compare all thesis pairs for tensions:

```yaml
antithesis:
  id: A_01_02
  thesis_1: T_01  # "Re < 2000 = laminar"
  thesis_2: T_02  # "Re < 1000 = laminar"
  tension_type: contradiction | refinement | extension | context_dependent
  description: "Threshold for laminar flow varies: 2000 vs 1000"
  resolution_candidates:
    - "2000 is generally accepted; 1000 is conservative"
    - "Context matters: ideal vs physiological conditions"
  evidence_weight:
    T_01: 0.85  # More sources agree
    T_02: 0.70  # Single source

tension_types:
  contradiction:
    definition: "Mutually exclusive claims"
    resolution: "Authority + recency + specificity + consensus"
  refinement:
    definition: "One claim more precise than other"
    resolution: "Accept refined version with acknowledgment"
  extension:
    definition: "One claim adds to another"
    resolution: "Merge with attribution to both"
  context_dependent:
    definition: "Both true in different contexts"
    resolution: "State conditions explicitly"
```

### Φ5: Dialectical Synthesis (S×S Synergy)

Invoke dialectical skill for structured synthesis:

```yaml
dialectical_structure:
  α_AGONAL:
    purpose: "Establish consensus with paradox awareness"
    content: "Synthesized universal principles from majority sources"
    citations: [highest_authority_sources]

  β_MAIEUTIC:
    purpose: "Guide through mechanisms with Socratic clarity"
    content: "Resolved tensions with evidence-weighted decisions"
    method: "Show reasoning process, not just conclusions"

  γ_APOPHATIC:
    purpose: "Acknowledge limitations with academic humility"
    content: "Noted variations, exceptions, context dependencies"
    tone: "Scholarship, not overconfidence"
```

**Integration with Constraints Skill:**
```yaml
deontic_obligations:
  O(cite): "All claims MUST have at least one citation"
  O(page): "Page numbers OBLIGATORY for all citations"
  O(synthesis): "Must produce synthesis, not mere aggregation"
  P(multi_cite): "Multiple citations PERMITTED for consensus"
  P(quote): "Direct quotes PERMITTED for key definitions"
  F(uncited): "Uncited claims are FORBIDDEN"
  F(single_source): "Single-source claims FORBIDDEN for consensus"
```

### Φ6: Multi-Lens Critique (S Synergy)

Apply critique skill's five lenses:

```yaml
lenses:
  STRUCTURAL:
    question: "Are theses logically coherent?"
    weight: 0.20
    validation: [internal_consistency, logical_flow]

  EVIDENTIAL:
    question: "What's the evidence quality?"
    weight: 0.25
    validation: [source_authority, peer_review, recency]

  SCOPE:
    question: "Do claims overgeneralize?"
    weight: 0.20
    validation: [boundary_conditions, exceptions_noted]

  ADVERSARIAL:
    question: "What would examiners challenge?"
    weight: 0.20
    validation: [anticipate_objections, prepare_defenses]

  PRAGMATIC:
    question: "Does this work clinically?"
    weight: 0.15
    validation: [clinical_utility, practical_application]

per_thesis_evaluation:
  thesis: T_01
  lens_scores:
    S: 0.90  # Clear logical structure
    E: 0.95  # Peer-reviewed source
    O: 0.75  # May not apply to all fluids
    A: 0.80  # Standard examiner expectation
    P: 0.85  # Clinically applicable
  aggregate: 0.85
  issues:
    - "Scope: Applies to Newtonian fluids; blood is non-Newtonian"
```

### Φ7: Abductive Synthesis

Generate minimal set of universal principles:

```
ABDUCTION PROTOCOL
──────────────────
1. Cluster theses by claim_type
2. For each cluster:
   a. Identify consensus claims (≥80% agreement)
   b. Resolve contested claims (40-79%) via critique lens priority
   c. Flag unique claims with high individual confidence (>0.8)
3. Compose synthesis S that:
   a. Subsumes all consensus claims
   b. Includes resolved contested claims with caveats
   c. Optionally includes unique claims as extensions
4. Validate: ∀T_i. ∃s ∈ S. subsumes(s, T_i)
5. Check parsimony: |S| ≤ min(|T|/2, 10)
6. Verify confidence floor: ∀s ∈ S. confidence(s) ≥ 0.60
```

**Synthesis Schema:**
```yaml
synthesis:
  universal_principles:
    - id: S_01
      claim: "Reynolds number predicts flow type (laminar vs turbulent)"
      type: universal
      supporting_theses: [T_01, T_02, T_03, T_05, T_08]
      confidence: 0.95

  resolved_tensions:
    - antithesis: A_01_02
      resolution: "Re < 2000 generally indicates laminar; stricter thresholds exist"
      resolution_type: context_dependent
      caveats: ["ideal conditions", "physiological variation"]

  acknowledged_variations:
    - topic: "Critical threshold"
      range: "1000-4000 depending on source"
      recommendation: "Use Re < 2000 = laminar, Re > 3000 = turbulent"
```

### Φ8: Response Generation (S Synergy with SAQ)

Route to saq skill for template-based generation:

```yaml
template_routing:
  IF question_verb = describe AND domain = pharmacology:
    template = saq/references/pharmacology-template.md
  ELIF question_verb = describe AND domain = physiology:
    template = saq/references/physiology-template.md
  ELIF question_verb ∈ {compare, contrast}:
    template = saq/references/comparison-template.md
  ELIF context = VIVA:
    template = viva-extended-template.md
  ELSE:
    template = saq/references/physiology-template.md

generation_constraints:
  SAQ_mode:
    word_count: 180-220
    structure: 2-3 A4 pages handwritten
    time: 8 minutes
    format: dot points, symbols, minimal prose
  VIVA_mode:
    word_count: 500-800
    structure: extended mechanistic detail
    includes: [examiner_anticipation, deep_dive, edge_cases, clinical_vignettes]
  Academic_mode:
    word_count: 1000-2000
    structure: full scholarly format
    includes: [literature_review, methodology, discussion]
```

### Φ9: Citation Weaving

**Footnote Format:**
```markdown
[^n]: Author(s). *Title*. Edition. Publisher, Year; p. page. "Verbatim quote."
```

**Citation Priority Weights:**
| Source Type | Weight | Usage |
|:------------|:-------|:------|
| Examiner reports (CICM/ANZCA) | 0.95 | Gold standard |
| Core textbooks | 0.85 | Primary evidence |
| Review articles | 0.80 | Synthesis support |
| Primary research | 0.75 | Novel findings |
| Clinical guidelines | 0.85 | Practice standards |
| Web sources | 0.50 | Triangulation required |

**Citation Density Requirements:**
```yaml
SAQ: 5-10 citations (1 per major claim)
VIVA: 15-25 citations (comprehensive)
Academic: 30-50 citations (scholarly)
```

### Φ10: Validation & QA

```python
def validate_grounded_response(response, theses, synthesis):
    checks = {
        # Coverage checks
        "citation_coverage": all_claims_cited(response),
        "synthesis_reflected": synthesis_in_response(response, synthesis),
        "thesis_coverage": all_theses_subsumed(theses, synthesis),

        # Format checks
        "word_count": word_count_in_range(response, mode),
        "cascade_preserved": no_decomposed_cascades(response),
        "values_contextualized": all_values_have_context(response),

        # Quality checks
        "tensions_acknowledged": variations_noted(response),
        "deontic_compliance": deontic_constraints_met(response),
        "examiner_optimized": meets_examiner_expectations(response),

        # Parsimony checks
        "synthesis_minimal": len(synthesis) <= len(theses) / 2,
        "confidence_floor": all(s.confidence >= 0.60 for s in synthesis)
    }
    return ValidationResult(
        valid=all(checks.values()),
        issues=[k for k, v in checks.items() if not v],
        score=sum(checks.values()) / len(checks)
    )
```

## Output Structures

### SAQ Mode Output
```markdown
---
topic: "{topic}"
type: saq-model-response
textbooks-analyzed: {n}
theses-extracted: {m}
antitheses-identified: {k}
citations: {c}
confidence: {0.85}
---

# {Topic}

> [!abstract] Definition
> {Core definition with citation}[^1]

## {Domain Heading 1}
- {Cascade with context}[^2]
- {Value with clinical relevance}[^3]

## {Domain Heading 2}
...

## Syntopical Analysis

> [!warning] Key Variation
> {Identified discrepancy with resolution}[^4][^5]

## References

[^1]: {Full citation with page}
```

### VIVA Mode Output

Extends SAQ mode with:
- **Examiner Anticipation**: Likely follow-up questions with prepared responses
- **Deep Dive**: Extended mechanistic detail on key points
- **Edge Cases**: Acknowledged limitations and exceptions
- **Clinical Vignettes**: Application scenarios
- **Recovery Strategies**: If caught off-guard

### Academic Mode Output

Full scholarly structure:
- **Abstract**: Synthesis summary
- **Introduction**: Context and scope
- **Literature Review**: Organized theses with critical analysis
- **Methodology**: Syntopical approach description
- **Results**: Synthesis with tension resolution
- **Discussion**: Implications and limitations
- **Conclusion**: Universal principles
- **References**: Complete bibliography

## Integration Points

### With /m Universal Meta-Router

```yaml
tensor_activation:
  on_prompt: "Generate SAQ on propofol pharmacology with citations"

  decomposition:
    C: sc:document (0.70)
    A: researcher (0.75)
    S: textbook-grounding (0.95)
    T: pdf-search (0.90)
    L: pdf-brain (0.90)

  synergies_activated:
    S×T×L: 0.95 → parallel_search_mode
    S×S×S: 0.90 → skill_chain_mode

  execution_plan:
    mode: sequential
    steps:
      1: T×L → parallel search (pdf-brain + pdf-search + perplexity)
      2: S → textbook-grounding (thesis extraction + antithesis detection)
      3: S×S → dialectical → critique (synthesis + validation)
      4: S → saq (template + formatting)
```

### With pdf-search / pdf-brain (Primary T×L)
```bash
# Parallel search execution
pdf-search "{query}" --limit 15 &
pdf-brain search "{query}" --semantic --top-k 10 &
wait

# Merge and deduplicate results
# Weight by source quality
```

### With SAQ Skill (S Synergy)
```yaml
handoff:
  from: textbook-grounding
  to: saq
  data:
    synthesis: universal_principles
    citations: formatted_footnotes
    constraints: word_count, symbol_lexicon
```

### With Critique Skill (S Synergy)
```yaml
invocation:
  purpose: "Multi-lens thesis evaluation"
  lenses: [STRUCTURAL, EVIDENTIAL, SCOPE, ADVERSARIAL, PRAGMATIC]
  output: per_thesis_scores, aggregate_confidence
```

### With Dialectical Skill (S Synergy)
```yaml
structure:
  α_AGONAL: consensus_with_paradox
  β_MAIEUTIC: mechanism_through_questioning
  γ_APOPHATIC: limitations_with_humility
```

### With Constraints Skill (S Synergy)
```yaml
deontic_framework:
  O: [cite, page, synthesis]
  P: [multi_cite, quote]
  F: [uncited, single_source_consensus]
```

### With knowledge-orchestrator (Meta-S)
```yaml
delegation:
  IF task.requires_multi_skill:
    delegate_to: knowledge-orchestrator
    skills: [textbook-grounding, dialectical, critique, saq]
    coordination: confidence-weighted
```

## Extended Examples

### Example 1: Reynolds Number SAQ

**Input:** "Describe the Reynolds number and factors affecting flow type"

**Φ2 Search Results:**
- Physics in Anaesthesia (Middleton) p.115
- Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology p.567
- West's Respiratory Physiology p.112
- Nunn's Applied Respiratory Physiology p.89
- Power & Kam Physiology p.203

**Φ3 Theses Extracted:** 25 from 12 sources

**Φ4 Antitheses Identified:** 5 (threshold variations, equation forms)

**Φ7 Synthesis:** 6 universal principles + 2 resolved tensions

**Φ8 Response (198 words):**
```
## Definition
- Dimensionless ratio of inertial/viscous forces[^1]
- Re = ρvd/μ = vd/ν (kinematic form)[^2]

## Factors
- ↑ρ (density) → ↑Re → ↑turbulence[^3]
- ↑v (velocity) → ↑Re → most significant clinically[^4]
- ↑d (diameter) → ↑Re → larger airways turbulent[^5]
- ↓μ (viscosity) → ↑Re → ↑turbulence[^6]

## Critical Values
- Re < 2000 → laminar (generally)[^7]
- 2000 < Re < 4000 → transitional[^8]
- Re > 4000 → turbulent[^9]

> [!warning] Variation
> Some sources cite Re < 1000 for laminar (conservative)[^10]

## Clinical Integration
- Heliox: ↓density → ↓Re → ↓turbulence → ↓WOB in UAO[^11]
- ETT: ↓diameter → ↓Re → more laminar despite ↑velocity[^12]
- Blood: non-Newtonian → Re applicability limited[^13]

## References
[^1]: Middleton B. *Physics in Anaesthesia*. 3e. Scion; 2021. p.115.
[^2]: Ganong WF. *Review of Medical Physiology*. 26e. McGraw-Hill; 2019. p.567.
...
```

### Example 2: VIVA Depth Response

**Input:** "VIVA preparation on propofol including pharmacokinetics and clinical applications"

**Execution:** Full Φ0-Φ10 with VIVA mode

**Output includes:**
- Extended mechanistic cascades (800 words)
- Anticipated examiner questions with prepared answers
- Edge cases (propofol infusion syndrome, allergies)
- Clinical vignettes (TCI, sedation, induction)
- 25 citations with page references

## Anti-Patterns

| Pattern | Why Harmful | Fix |
|:--------|:------------|:----|
| Single-source claims | Fails syntopical requirement | Multi-source validation |
| Uncited variations | Undermines credibility | Always cite discrepancies |
| Ignored tensions | Appears superficial | Acknowledge and resolve |
| Over-complex synthesis | Violates Pareto parsimony | Minimal principle set |
| Generic citations | Loses precision | Page-level references |
| Decomposed cascades | Loses mechanistic flow | Preserve as single chains |
| Values without context | Appears rote | Same-line clinical meaning |

## File Reference

| Purpose | Location |
|:--------|:---------|
| Synthesis protocol | `references/synthesis-protocol.md` |
| Citation formats | `references/citation-formats.md` |
| Examiner expectations | `references/examiner-expectations.md` |
| Validation script | `scripts/grounding_validator.py` |
| VIVA template | `references/viva-template.md` |
| Academic template | `references/academic-template.md` |

## Quality Metrics

```yaml
grounding_quality:
  citation_density: citations_per_claim >= 1.0
  source_diversity: unique_sources >= 5
  synthesis_ratio: |synthesis| / |theses| <= 0.5
  confidence_floor: all_confidence >= 0.60
  tension_coverage: all_antitheses_resolved
  examiner_alignment: meets_expectations >= 0.85
```

---

**Core Insight**: Orthogonal tensor integration transforms textbook grounding from isolated skill to synergistic capability. Cross-dimensional activation (S×T×L) enables parallel search, skill chaining, and optimal composition. The Hegelian dialectic ensures tensions are not hidden but resolved through evidence-weighted abduction, producing responses that withstand examiner scrutiny.

**Research Sources:**
- [Self-reflecting LLMs: A Hegelian Dialectical Approach](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Hegelian_Dialectic_ICML_Version-18.pdf)
- [Model of Dialectical Learning](https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-1-4614-3858-8_493)
- [Hegel's Dialectics (Stanford Encyclopedia)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hegel-dialectics/)

Overview

This skill implements orthogonally-integrated Hegelian syntopical analysis to produce examination-ready SAQ/VIVA answers and concept explanations with systematic textbook citations. It synthesizes thesis → antithesis → abductive synthesis across multiple authoritative sources to produce concise, evidence‑weighed responses. The output always includes page-level citations and explicit caveats for context‑dependent claims.

How this skill works

On activation (including the /m tensor trigger) the skill decomposes the query, runs parallel semantic searches across textbook PDFs and supplementary sources, and extracts source-level theses with provenance. It detects tensions between claims, applies dialectical synthesis to resolve or frame contradictions, and performs multi‑lens critique (structural, evidential, scope, adversarial, pragmatic). Finally it composes SAQ‑formatted responses with stitched citations and validation checks.

When to use it

  • Preparing short answer questions (SAQ) or VIVA practice that require textbook evidence
  • Explaining core concepts where examiners expect textbook citations and page numbers
  • Validating or reconciling differing textbook statements on the same topic
  • Generating concise, citation‑anchored study notes for clinical exams
  • When you need synthesis rather than single‑source summaries

Best practices

  • Specify context (VIVA, ANZCA, CICM, academic) to set search depth and citation standards
  • Request the desired length or template (e.g., SAQ bullet, 200‑word viva answer) to control output format
  • Ask for explicit caveats when sources disagree or thresholds vary
  • Provide PDFs or reference lists for higher‑confidence extraction when available
  • Use /m to enable full tensor activation for parallel pdf search and qmd integration

Example use cases

  • Describe the pharmacology of propofol with textbook citations for VIVA prep
  • Compare risk thresholds (e.g., Reynolds number) across fluid dynamics textbooks with page‑level evidence
  • Produce an SAQ answer on acute kidney injury mechanisms citing core nephrology textbooks
  • Resolve conflicting clinical recommendations across textbooks and summarize examiner‑grade synthesis
  • Create concise study cards that include primary textbook citations and caveats

FAQ

How many sources does the skill use?

Search depth depends on context: standard tasks use ~8–12 sources; deep or comprehensive queries expand to 20–30 sources for broader coverage.

Will every claim include a page number?

Yes. Deontic constraints require at least one citation with page reference for each asserted claim; unresolved single‑source claims are flagged with caveats.