Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0164

Least Convenient Possible World

Least Convenient Possible World
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

To test the validity of a principle, assume an extreme scenario that is most unfavorable to your own argument. If you do not support the principle in this scenario, then you are supporting a position, not a principle.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Intellectual honesty check. Don't talk about principles only when the wind is at your back. Ask yourself: "If my enemy had this power, would I still support this rule?" If the answer is no, revise your rule.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Refers to people's tendency to believe in a world where "just a small change can solve a big problem" (the least inconvenient world), thereby avoiding truly costly actions. The mechanism is cognitive comfort preference and status quo bias.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    lesswrong.comhttps://www.lesswrong.com/w/least-convenient-possible-worldZH · Explicit
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