# Consider Alternatives

> Generate competing explanations for the same observations

- Skill: `synapseradio/consider-alternatives` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add synapseradio/consider-alternatives`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/synapseradio/consider-alternatives/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: synapseradio (https://skillmd.com/u/synapseradio)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/synapseradio/consider-alternatives

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Follow these steps:

### 1. State the current explanation

State the current explanation and its supporting evidence.

### 2. Generate alternatives

Vary mechanism, scope, timing, or direction of causation. Combine multiple causes. Question whether the pattern is coincidence.

### 3. Make each alternative concrete

Describe how it would work and what observations it would predict.

### 4. Identify distinguishing tests

What evidence would separate one explanation from another?