Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M7169

Middle Way Principle

Middle Way Principle
DecidemediumDecision Science
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Updated 2026-08-10

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

A decision principle holding that the extremes on either side of a question are usually traps, and that the good solution lies in a fitting middle zone rather than at either pole. Its core proposition is that extremes produce marginal backlash, since what is too rigid breaks and what is too soft loses its place, so the middle is the ratio that best fits the situation and must be adjusted as time and circumstance change. The qualifier is that the middle is dynamic rather than a fixed arithmetic average.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Pole mapping: identify the two opposing extremes and the cost that each one carries. - Ratio search: look for the fitting proportion rather than a mechanical midpoint. - Dynamic tuning: adjust the balance as the situation and the timing change over time.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Each extreme carries its own backlash: too rigid breaks under stress and too soft loses its position, so the marginal return of pushing further turns negative. The fitting middle is the proportion that matches the situation, and because situations change, the balance must be re-tuned rather than fixed once as an average.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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