Steelman the opposing views

Build the strongest possible version of each side in the notebook — then judge the debate on merit.

Category: Decision · Best for: Decision-makers, debaters, strategists

Prompt

Stage a steelman debate between the opposing viewpoints in this notebook.

Step 1 — Identify the 2–3 main viewpoints the sources represent. Name each one.

Step 2 — For each viewpoint, write its steelman:
- Strongest core argument in 2–3 sentences.
- The 3 best pieces of evidence from the notebook supporting it.
- The most charitable interpretation of its weakest point.

Step 3 — Cross-examination. For each pair of viewpoints, list the 2 sharpest questions one side would ask the other, and the strongest reply available in the sources.

Step 4 — Verdict. Which view holds up best given only the notebook evidence? Explain in 3–5 sentences what would have to change for a different view to win.

No straw men. If a viewpoint's evidence is thin, say so explicitly — don't fabricate support.

Copy this prompt and paste it into Google NotebookLM to use it with your notebook sources.

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