Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M3434

God of the Gaps

God of the Gaps
StructureHigh supportLogic
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

An argumentative strategy that posits God (or some mystical force) as the filler for the 'gaps' that science cannot currently explain. As science advances, the gaps shrink, and so does God's domain.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The fragility of explanation. Do not build your core competitiveness on 'others' ignorance' (the gaps). Once technology becomes widespread (the gaps are filled), your advantage drops to zero. Build a moat based on principles rather than information asymmetry.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Filling the unknown with divine action (God-of-the-gaps argument), which retreats as science progresses, relying on ignorance as argument.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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

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