Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M1474

Deus Ex Machina

Deus Ex Machina
StructureHigh supportLogic
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

In ancient Greek drama, when the plot reached an impasse that could not be resolved, a crane would lower an actor playing a god to forcibly resolve all problems. It now refers to a clumsy, illogical plot resolution.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Logical coherence: When writing a business plan or making life plans, do not rely on a 'deus ex machina' (e.g., suddenly winning the lottery, suddenly meeting a benefactor). You must rely on a logical closed loop within the system to solve problems.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Originally referred to the use of a crane in ancient Greek drama to lower a god onto the stage to resolve the plot; now it metaphorically refers to abruptly introducing an external force in narrative or argument to forcibly conclude, lacking internal logical groundwork.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machinaZH · Explicit
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