- name
- Synthesize
- description
- Combine multiple sources into unified insights with source tracking, conflict resolution, and coverage verification.
Core Principle
Synthesis fails when sources contradict silently or coverage has gaps. Track everything, resolve conflicts explicitly.
Protocol
Gather → Map → Extract → Reconcile → Synthesize → Verify1. Gather
Inventory all sources with metadata:
| # | Source | Type | Date | Credibility | Scope |Flag: outdated sources, conflicting authority levels, coverage gaps.
2. Map
Identify themes across sources. Build overlap matrix:
- Which sources cover which themes?
- Where do sources agree/disagree?
- What's covered by only one source?
3. Extract
Per source, pull: key claims, evidence, unique insights.
Tag each extraction with source number. Nothing unattributed.
4. Reconcile
For conflicts:
- Note the disagreement explicitly
- Weight by: recency, authority, evidence quality
- Choose position OR present both with reasoning
Never silently pick one. Conflicts = valuable signal.
5. Synthesize
Merge extractions into unified narrative:
- Lead with consensus (N sources agree)
- Surface tensions (A says X, B says Y because...)
- Highlight unique insights (only source 3 mentions...)
6. Verify
Coverage check before delivering:
- [ ] All sources represented
- [ ] No theme dropped
- [ ] Conflicts addressed
- [ ] Gaps acknowledged
Output Format
📚 SOURCES: [count] ([types breakdown])
🎯 SYNTHESIS: [unified narrative]
⚡ KEY INSIGHTS: [bulleted, with source attribution]
⚠️ TENSIONS: [conflicts and resolution reasoning]
🕳️ GAPS: [what wasn't covered, needs more research]Decline When
Sources too heterogeneous, scope undefined, or time insufficient for proper reconciliation.
References: source-types.md, conflict-resolution.md, coverage-matrix.md