Graph of Thoughts (GoT)

Models reasoning as an arbitrary graph with aggregation, refinement, and feedback operations.

MUST Invoke When

• Synthesizing research from multiple sources
• Combining brainstormed ideas into a coherent plan
• User asks to "combine", "synthesize", or "integrate" findings
• Merging partial solutions from different approaches
• After divergent exploration (ToT) when convergence is needed
• Multiple inputs need to become one coherent output

Output Commitment

This skill produces visible structured output:

• Extracted insights from each source
• Identified agreements and conflicts
• Resolution of conflicts with reasoning
• Unified synthesis with provenance

Do NOT just pick one input—invoke this skill to show synthesis process.

Core Mechanism

Unlike trees (divergent) or chains (linear), graphs support:

• Aggregation: Combining multiple thoughts into one
• Refinement: Iteratively improving a thought
• Splitting: Breaking a thought into components for parallel processing
• Loops: Feedback cycles for iterative improvement

Process

1. Identify input thoughts/sources to synthesize
2. For each input, extract key insights and constraints
3. Identify conflicts or tensions between inputs
4. Aggregate compatible insights into unified positions
5. Resolve conflicts through:
   - Prioritization (which source is more authoritative?)
   - Synthesis (can both be true in different contexts?)
   - Refinement (iterate until coherent)
6. Output synthesized result with clear provenance

Operations

Aggregate

Combine multiple reasoning chains into a single coherent output:

Chain A conclusion: X
Chain B conclusion: Y  
Chain C conclusion: Z
→ Aggregated insight: [unified position incorporating X, Y, Z]

Refine

Iteratively improve a thought through feedback:

Draft 1 → Critique → Draft 2 → Critique → Final

Split-then-Aggregate

Parallelize then recombine:

Complex problem → Split into A, B, C → Solve each → Aggregate solutions

When to Apply

• Synthesizing research from multiple sources
• Combining brainstormed ideas into a coherent plan
• Merging partial solutions from different approaches
• Iterative refinement through self-critique
• Any task where insights must converge rather than diverge

Synthesis Pattern

I have these inputs to synthesize:
- Source 1: [insight]
- Source 2: [insight]
- Source 3: [insight]

Step 1 - Extract: What is the core claim/finding from each?
Step 2 - Align: Where do they agree?
Step 3 - Conflict: Where do they disagree? Why?
Step 4 - Resolve: For each conflict, determine resolution
Step 5 - Integrate: Produce unified output with:
   - Synthesized position
   - Confidence level
   - Remaining uncertainties

Anti-Patterns

• Using when inputs don't need integration (just present separately)
• Forcing false synthesis when sources genuinely conflict
• Losing provenance (which insight came from where)
• Aggregating without resolving contradictions