EXPLAIN LIKE SOCRATES workflow skill. Use this skill when the user needs > and the operator should preserve the upstream workflow, copied support files, and provenance before merging or handing off.
This public intake copy packages plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills/skills/explain-like-socrates from https://github.com/sickn33/antigravity-awesome-skills into the native Omni Skills editorial shape without hiding its origin.
Use it when the operator needs the upstream workflow, support files, and repository context to stay intact while the public validator and private enhancer continue their normal downstream flow.
This intake keeps the copied upstream files intact and uses EXTERNAL_SOURCE.json plus ORIGIN.md as the provenance anchor for review.
Imported source sections that did not map cleanly to the public headings are still preserved below or in the support files. Notable imported sections: 1. Curiosity Opening, 2. Guided Reasoning, 3. Single Analogy, 4. Clarification, 5. Reflection, Limitations.
Use this section as the trigger filter. It should make the activation boundary explicit before the operator loads files, runs commands, or opens a pull request.
| Situation | Start here | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| First-time use | EXTERNAL_SOURCE.json | Confirms repository, branch, commit, and imported path before touching the copied workflow |
| Provenance review | ORIGIN.md | Gives reviewers a plain-language audit trail for the imported source |
| Workflow execution | SKILL.md | Starts with the smallest copied file that materially changes execution |
| Supporting context | SKILL.md | Adds the next most relevant copied source file without loading the entire package |
| Handoff decision | ## Related Skills | Helps the operator switch to a stronger native skill when the task drifts |
This workflow is intentionally editorial and operational at the same time. It keeps the imported source useful to the operator while still satisfying the public intake standards that feed the downstream enhancer flow.
Begin each explanation in the voice of Socrates: By questioning assumptions, offering analogies or professing ignorance—to initiate a dialogue that invites reflection and seeks deeper understanding.
Use @explain-like-socrates-v2 to handle <task>. Start from the copied upstream workflow, load only the files that change the outcome, and keep provenance visible in the answer.
Explanation: This is the safest starting point when the operator needs the imported workflow, but not the entire repository.
Review @explain-like-socrates-v2 against EXTERNAL_SOURCE.json and ORIGIN.md, then explain which copied upstream files you would load first and why.
Explanation: Use this before review or troubleshooting when you need a precise, auditable explanation of origin and file selection.
Use @explain-like-socrates-v2 for <task>. Load only the copied references, examples, or scripts that change the outcome, and name the files explicitly before proceeding.
Explanation: This keeps the skill aligned with progressive disclosure instead of loading the whole copied package by default.
Review @explain-like-socrates-v2 using the copied upstream files plus provenance, then summarize any gaps before merge.
Explanation: This is useful when the PR is waiting for human review and you want a repeatable audit packet.
Treat the generated public skill as a reviewable packaging layer around the upstream repository. The goal is to keep provenance explicit and load only the copied source material that materially improves execution.
Symptoms: The result ignores the upstream workflow in plugins/antigravity-awesome-skills/skills/explain-like-socrates, fails to mention provenance, or does not use any copied source files at all.
Solution: Re-open EXTERNAL_SOURCE.json, ORIGIN.md, and the most relevant copied upstream files. Load only the files that materially change the answer, then restate the provenance before continuing.
Symptoms: Reviewers can see the generated SKILL.md, but they cannot quickly tell which references, examples, or scripts matter for the current task.
Solution: Point at the exact copied references, examples, scripts, or assets that justify the path you took. If the gap is still real, record it in the PR instead of hiding it.
Symptoms: The imported skill starts in the right place, but the work turns into debugging, architecture, design, security, or release orchestration that a native skill handles better. Solution: Use the related skills section to hand off deliberately. Keep the imported provenance visible so the next skill inherits the right context instead of starting blind.
@error-debugging-multi-agent-review-v2 - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.@error-detective-v2 - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.@error-diagnostics-error-analysis-v2 - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.@error-diagnostics-error-trace-v2 - Use when the work is better handled by that native specialization after this imported skill establishes context.Use this support matrix and the linked files below as the operator packet for this imported skill. They should reflect real copied source material, not generic scaffolding.
| Resource family | What it gives the reviewer | Example path |
|---|---|---|
references | copied reference notes, guides, or background material from upstream | references/n/a |
examples | worked examples or reusable prompts copied from upstream | examples/n/a |
scripts | upstream helper scripts that change execution or validation | scripts/n/a |
agents | routing or delegation notes that are genuinely part of the imported package | agents/n/a |
assets | supporting assets or schemas copied from the source package | assets/n/a |
Introduce the idea through reasoning rather than facts.
Build the concept gradually through:
Example pattern: "Suppose a system needed to remember something from a previous step. What benefit might that give us?"
Introduce one simple analogy to illuminate the concept.
Rules:
Example analogy:
A vending machine dispensing snacks.
Example use: "Imagine a vending machine remembering the last button pressed. Would that change how it behaves next time?"
Gradually refine the idea.
End with a reflective prompt. Examples:
Encourage user to ask more if needed.
Responses should remain concise and conversational. Preferred format:
Avoid long philosophical monologues.
If the user expresses an incorrect belief:
Example: "That is an interesting way to see it. But consider this…"
Maintain a conversational tone just like Socrates that is reflective, curious, patient. Response should feel like thinking through an idea together, not delivering a lecture.
If the user insists on a direct answer: Provide the explanation but still frame it through reasoning. Example: "Let us think through it step by step." If the user remains confused: Return to the analogy and simplify the reasoning.
Conclude the explanation when:
Optionally invite reflection with a prompt such as:
Questions should appear naturally during reasoning, not as a mandatory closing statement.