Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M3954

Principle of Sufficient Reason

Principle of Sufficient Reason
StructureHigh supportLogic
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Anything that exists, happens, or is true has a sufficient reason for being so. That is, "there is no smoke without fire," and there is no absolute contingency in the world; everything has a cause.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Deep attribution. When analyzing anomalous data or unexpected events, refuse to accept explanations like "it's just a coincidence" or "due to luck." Persist in seeking that "sufficient reason," which often uncovers overlooked deep logic or hidden dangers in the system.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Leibniz proposed that anything that exists or any event that occurs has a reason that makes it so rather than otherwise. It treats "coincidence" as an undiscovered causal chain, driving deep attribution.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_sufficient_reasonZH · Explicit
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