epistemic-checkpointlisted

# Epistemic Checkpoint Force verification before answering questions involving versions, dates, status, or "current" state. ## Purpose Prevents the ROOT CAUSE of hallucinations - not just blocking wrong output, but preventing wrong REASONING. Claude's training data is stale; this skill forces verification before forming beliefs. ## Triggers Activate this skill when the question involves ANY of: - Software versions (.NET, Node, React, Python, etc.) - Release status (preview, LTS, GA, RC, deprecated) - "Current" or "latest" anything - Dates that might be after training cutoff - Package versions - API deprecations ## MANDATORY Protocol ### Step 1: Recognize Uncertainty Say to yourself: **"My training data may be stale for: [topic]"** ### Step 2: Check Local Ground Truth ```text Read ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/blackboard/assertions.yaml Search for relevant entries ``` If found - use that value with high confidence. ### Step 3: If Not in Assertions - WebSearch ```text WebSearch("[software] [version] release date site:official-docs") WebSearch("[software] LTS release 2025") ``` Prefer official sources: - microsoft.com/dotnet for .NET - nodejs.org for Node - python.org for Python ### Step 4: State Verified Facts Say: **"Based on [source], [software] [version] is [status] as of [date]."** ### Step 5: THEN Proceed Only now answer the actual question with the verified baseline. ## Red Flag Thoughts (REJECT THESE) | If you think... | Actually do... | |-----------------|