Synthesize

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

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Gather → Map → Extract → Reconcile → Synthesize → Verify

1. Gather

Inventory all sources with metadata:

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| # | 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Flag: outdated sources, conflicting authority levels, coverage gaps.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

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📚 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