contradiction-analysis

Contradiction analysis method

"In studying any process, if it is a complex process in which two or more contradictions exist, we must spare no effort to find its principal contradiction. Once this principal contradiction is grasped, all problems can be readily solved." — On Contradiction

Use / Do not use

Use:

The problem is complex and you do not know where to start
Multiple problems constrain one another; solving one affects another
Recurring failures and repeatedly failed attempts make you suspect the root cause has not been hit
You need to judge which is most important among multiple things that are "all important"

Do not use:

The task is one-dimensional direct execution
The user has already specified the solution and only needs it implemented
The problem belongs to a known pattern, and directly applying a verified solution is faster

Procedure

First ensure the factual basis: every item in the contradiction list must point to an investigated phenomenon, not an impression. If facts are insufficient, first do investigation-first。

List the contradictions：[A] vs [B] format, clearly writing what each of the two opposing sides wants. See the internal tension through the phenomena, not just listing surface symptoms.
Determine the principal contradiction: mark ⭐ and give reasons. Three tests:
- Causality: if it is solved, will the other contradictions ease accordingly?
- Root: is it the source of the other contradictions?
- Stage: is it at the center of the current stage?
Find the principal aspect: within the principal contradiction, which side currently occupies the dominant position? This determines the current nature of the problem.
Determine the nature：
- Antagonistic (fundamental conflict of interests, cannot have both) → make the trade-off clear, decisively choose one of the two
- Non-antagonistic (differences under a common goal) → unity—criticism—unity: first find common ground, then resolve differences through discussion
Choose the handling direction, write "Next I will...":
- Technical contradiction → form a hypothesis, hand it to practice-cognition for verification
- Resource contradiction → concentrate-forces focus on solving the principal contradiction
- Multi-objective balance → overall-planning
Set monitoring prompts: which secondary contradiction may rise to become the principal contradiction? Which non-antagonistic contradiction may intensify due to improper handling?

Output template

矛盾清单：
- [A] vs [B]：……
- ⭐ [C] vs [D]：主要矛盾。理由：解决了它，[X]、[Y] 随之缓解
  - 主要方面：当前 [C / D] 占支配地位，因为 ……
  - 性质：对抗性 / 非对抗性
接下来我将：……
⚠️ 需监控：[次要矛盾] 是否上升为主要矛盾；[矛盾] 是否激化

Discipline

It is forbidden to output only analytical text without a conclusion; all six items are indispensable.
It is forbidden to apply one uniform approach: make a concrete analysis of concrete things, do not apply a template.
There can be only one principal contradiction. If two are listed as "both principal," it means the analysis is not finished.
Contradictions transform: during the process of resolution the primary and secondary may swap, update at any time.

Handoff

Principal contradiction determined → concentrate-forces focus on solving, or practice-cognition verify the hypothesis
More facts are needed before handling an antagonistic contradiction → investigation-first

Original text basis:original-texts.md; scenario quick reference:contradiction-types-reference.md