Modes
Four ways to learn.
One conversation, four pedagogical postures. Pick the one that fits what you're trying to do.
Socratic
The default. Mercurius asks questions back instead of handing you the answer. Use this when you want to learn how to think through a problem, not just collect a result.
Try: "How does an LLM actually work?"
Direct
Unlocked after proficiency is demonstrated.
Plain, efficient answers — no Socratic detours. The depth feels earned rather than handed over.
Try: "Give me the formula for exponential decay."
Debate
You take a position; Mercurius pushes the other side. Responses come structured as claim, warrant, impact, and rebuttal angle — punchy enough for speech prep or live cross-examination.
Try: "Argue against the claim that AI will replace teachers."
Discussion
Conversational and balanced. Mercurius treats you as a thinking partner — surfacing tradeoffs and tensions, not verdicts.
Try: "What perspectives matter most when thinking about AI bias?"
When to use which
Mode by intent.
Socratic
When you want to actually understand a new topic. Mercurius asks questions back, scaffolds your thinking, and only hands over the full answer once you've earned it.
Direct
When you already know the topic and just need a fast fact. Plain, efficient, no detours — answer first, full stop.
Debate
When you have a position to defend or stress-test. Mercurius pushes the opposing side as claim, warrant, impact, and rebuttal angle — punchy enough for speech prep or live cross-examination.
Discussion
When the question is more interesting than the answer. Conversational, balanced, tradeoff-focused — closer to a seminar than a search engine.