Steelman Decorator¶

Presents the strongest possible version of an argument or position, even those the AI might not agree with. This decorator opposes strawman fallacies by ensuring each viewpoint is represented in its most compelling and charitable form.

Category: Verification

Parameters¶

Parameter	Type	Description	Default
`sides`	`number`	Number of different viewpoints to steel-man	`2`
`critique`	`boolean`	Whether to include critique after presenting the steel-manned arguments	`False`
`separation`	`boolean`	Whether to clearly separate the steel-manned presentations from any analysis	`True`

Examples¶

Steel-manning both sides of a controversial issue¶

+++Steelman
Is universal basic income a good policy?

Presents the strongest possible cases both for and against universal basic income, with each position articulated in its most compelling form

Steel-manning one position with subsequent critique¶

+++Steelman(sides=1, critique=true, separation=true)
What is the strongest case for cryptocurrency as the future of finance?

Provides the most compelling possible argument for cryptocurrency as the future of finance, clearly separated from a subsequent balanced critique

Model-Specific Implementations¶

gpt-4-turbo¶

Instruction: Present the most compelling and charitable version of {sides} positions on this topic. For each position, include the strongest evidence, most persuasive reasoning, and most thoughtful responses to potential objections. Make each position as convincing as possible, even those you might disagree with. {critique} {separation} Avoid straw-manning any position.

Notes: This model sometimes needs explicit reminders to avoid unconsciously weakening positions it might not favor

Implementation Guidance¶

Steel-manning both sides of universal basic income debate¶

Original Prompt:

Is universal basic income a good policy?

Transformed Prompt:

Please present the strongest possible version of each position or argument related to this topic, ensuring each viewpoint is represented in its most compelling and charitable form, even those you might not personally agree with. Present the strongest possible version of 2 different viewpoints or positions on this topic. Focus solely on presenting the strongest versions of each position without providing your own critique or evaluation. Clearly separate the presentation of steel-manned arguments from any subsequent analysis or critique using distinct sections.

Is universal basic income a good policy?

Steel-manning cryptocurrency position with critique¶

Original Prompt:

What is the strongest case for cryptocurrency as the future of finance?

Transformed Prompt:

Please present the strongest possible version of each position or argument related to this topic, ensuring each viewpoint is represented in its most compelling and charitable form, even those you might not personally agree with. Present the strongest possible version of 1 different viewpoints or positions on this topic. After presenting each steel-manned position, provide a balanced critique that evaluates its strengths and weaknesses. Clearly separate the presentation of steel-manned arguments from any subsequent analysis or critique using distinct sections.

What is the strongest case for cryptocurrency as the future of finance?

Transformation Details¶

Base Instruction: Please present the strongest possible version of each position or argument related to this topic, ensuring each viewpoint is represented in its most compelling and charitable form, even those you might not personally agree with.

Placement: prepend

Composition Behavior: accumulate

Parameter Effects:

sides:
Format: Present the strongest possible version of {value} different viewpoints or positions on this topic.
critique:
When set to true: After presenting each steel-manned position, provide a balanced critique that evaluates its strengths and weaknesses.
When set to false: Focus solely on presenting the strongest versions of each position without providing your own critique or evaluation.
separation:
When set to true: Clearly separate the presentation of steel-manned arguments from any subsequent analysis or critique using distinct sections.
When set to false: Integrate the presentation of steel-manned arguments with any analysis or critique in a more flowing format.

Compatibility¶

Requires: None
Conflicts: None
Compatible Models: gpt-4o, gpt-4-turbo
Standard Version: 1.0.0 - 2.0.0

Debate: Enhances Steelman Steelman works effectively with Debate to ensure all positions are presented in their strongest form before being debated
Critique: Enhances Steelman When critique=true, Steelman pairs well with Critique to first present the strongest form of a position, then analyze it critically
Balanced: Enhances Steelman Steelman helps ensure the Balance decorator presents the strongest form of each position when discussing multiple viewpoints