SOURCES & METHODOLOGY

SNEK separates values from factual claims. Values come from the platform’s stated principles. Factual claims should be checked against primary or high-quality sources and revised when the evidence changes.

Policy first, evidence second, slogans last

Each policy begins with the principle SNEK is trying to apply. We then distinguish what is a normative judgment from what is a factual claim about law, economics, medicine, technology, or public administration.

Use primary sources where possible

For current law and government programs, prefer statutes, agencies, official reports, court opinions, treaty text, and other primary materials. For empirical questions, use reputable research institutions, peer-reviewed work, and transparent public data.

Say when a question is unsettled

If evidence is mixed, the platform should say so. If a policy is a value judgment rather than a factual conclusion, it should be presented honestly as a policy choice.

Policies can change

SNEK is not interested in defending a bad position forever because it appeared on the website once. New evidence, implementation problems, and stronger arguments can justify revisions.

Current review

The September 2026 review finalized previously provisional positions on Social Security, Medicare, housing, education, higher education, labor, wages, automation, immigration, defense, foreign aid, alliances, abortion, adult autonomy, minors, sports, family policy, welfare, and offshoring.