How to use AI without giving up independent thinking

Ask for reasoning you can challenge

A confident answer can hide assumptions you never agreed to. Ask for those assumptions to be made explicit, then describe a situation in which the recommendation would stop working. A different budget, deadline or capacity constraint can change which option makes sense.

Look for productive disagreements

Instead of asking only for support for an idea, explore a serious objection and the evidence that would resolve it. Then check the relevant sources. A conversation can broaden your perspective, but generating an argument and verifying it are different tasks. Not every decision needs endless debate; what matters is recognizing which uncertainties affect the choice.

Keep a record of your own reasoning

When you make a decision, write down why you chose it and what would make you reconsider. That record helps you learn from the outcome. I am interested in the meeting point between increasingly capable tools and people who keep asking questions: what we choose to think about, who shapes our attention and how much room we leave for doubt.

Put it into practice

• Explain the objective before asking for alternatives.
• Identify assumptions and pending evidence.
• Explore a relevant objection.
• Record the reason for your decision.