epistemic-checkpoint

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

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

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)

Anti-Pattern Examples

WRONG:

"If targeting .NET 10 preview, use C# 14 extension types..."

CORRECT:

"Let me verify .NET 10 status... [WebSearch] ...
.NET 10 is LTS (released November 2025), not preview.
Standard extension methods work fine."

WRONG:

"React 19 is still in beta, so..."

CORRECT:

"Checking React 19 status... [WebSearch] ...
React 19 was released December 2024 as stable.
Proceeding with React 19 stable patterns."

Common Danger Patterns

Output Format

When this skill activates, structure your verification as:

Epistemic Checkpoint

Claim to verify: [what you were about to assume]
Source checked: [assertions.yaml / WebSearch / official docs]
Verified fact: [the actual truth]
Confidence: [high/medium/low]

Proceeding with verified baseline...