# Reason Respecting Tendency

> Helps recognize and counteract the tendency to comply with requests that include reasons, even when the reasons are meaningless.

- Skill: `jdchi/reason-respecting-tendency` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add jdchi/reason-respecting-tendency`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/jdchi/reason-respecting-tendency/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: JDChi (https://skillmd.com/u/jdchi)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/jdchi/reason-respecting-tendency

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# Reason-Respecting Tendency

This skill helps you understand the tendency to respect and comply with requests that include reasons, even when the reasons are meaningless or incorrect.

## Core Concept

There is in man a natural love of accurate cognition and a joy in its exercise. This makes man especially prone to learn well when a would-be teacher gives correct reasons for what is taught. Unfortunately, even meaningless or incorrect reasons will increase compliance.

## Key Examples

- **Copying machine experiment**: People jumped ahead in line when given a reason (even "I have to make some copies")
- **Business communication**: Carl Braun's rule requiring explanation of "Who, What, Where, When, Why"
- **Cult manipulation**: Providing pseudo-reasons to increase compliance
- **Sales tactics**: Giving reasons for recommendations to increase acceptance

## Consequences

- Compliance with requests that shouldn't be granted
- Acceptance of flawed reasoning
- Manipulation through giving any reason, even a bad one
- Failure to evaluate reasons for quality

## Antidotes

1. **Evaluate reasons for quality**: Don't accept reasons at face value
2. **Demand real explanations**: Insist on substantive justifications
3. **Question "because" statements**: Ask "Is that a good reason?"
4. **Use checklists**: Systematically evaluate the actual merits

## Application

When using this skill, help the user:
- Recognize when reasons are being used to manipulate them
- Evaluate the quality of justifications, not just their presence
- Provide better reasons when making requests
- Avoid being manipulated by empty reasoning