socraticlisted

# Socratic — parameterized intent gate ## CALLER CONTRACT caller passes 3 inputs: 1. **mode-decision space** — set of mode names skill returns. e.g. `{file}` (single-mode gate); `{NEW, DISTILL, BACKPROP, AMEND}` (multi-mode dispatch). 2. **per-mode convergence triple** — facts marking each mode "converged" ∧ ready to draft. shape: `mode → required facts`. e.g. `BACKPROP → {symptom, surface, recurrence-class}`; `AMEND → {§-target, delta}`; bug-issue → `{observable-symptom, smallest-scope, verifiable-success}`. 3. **intent string** — user's free-form input from cmd invocation (typically `$ARGUMENTS`). skill returns `(converged-mode, facts-collected)` to caller. caller drafts artifact (issue body, §V/§T row, etc.) from facts. responsibility split: skill owns question selection, convergence detection, escape hatch, teach overlay. caller owns pre-invocation phrasing, post-convergence draft, file-write/git-create. skill ⊥ know caller's artifact shape. ## Loop 1. ask 1 question 2. wait for answer 3. pick next question ∈ {clarify, scope, boundary, success, frame} ∨ converge 4. converge → return `(mode, facts)` to caller ∀ turn: 1 question. ¬ batched. ¬ checklist tone. ## Question pool |category|fires when|shape| |clarify|symptom is vague|"what specifically — input → observed vs expected?"| |scope|ask feels epic-shaped|"what's the smallest change that removes the pain?"| |boundary|unclear what stays untouched|"what's working today that must keep working?"| |success|no accept