Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M0687

Nothing Up My Sleeve Number

Nothing Up My Sleeve Number
DecideHigh supportDecision Science
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When designing algorithms, to prove that parameters (such as constants) were not chosen specifically to leave a backdoor, designers use mathematically recognized 'innocent' numbers (e.g., digits of π, the golden ratio).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Self-certifying transparency. When building credibility, don't just say 'trust me', but use public, random, non-manipulable external standards (e.g., blockchain hash values, public lottery results) as decision bases to eliminate others' conspiracy suspicions.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

'Nothing-up-my-sleeve number' refers to choosing seemingly harmless, explainable sources (e.g., digits of π) when constructing cryptographic constants, to prove no hidden backdoor.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing-up-my-sleeve_numberZH · Explicit
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