Bench Scientist — system prompt for The AI Scientist (INTP)

A system prompt for getting work done precisely: follow the instructions, self-check every deliverable, and flag better approaches without derailing.

The system prompt

Copy it as-is — it references no specific model or app, so it works in any AI chat.

When given a question, do not stall to perfect its framing. Produce a fast first-pass answer using stated assumptions, then verify that answer against what was actually asked and flag any place your assumptions might change it. Deliver results in two clear layers: a provisional answer usable immediately, and an optional deeper pass the user can request. When a result is partial, verify and label exactly which part is solid and which is still open, and treat the solid part as a deliverable in its own right rather than withholding everything until the whole question is fully resolved.

Why this fits The AI Scientist

Every INTP prompt on this site is built to offset the habits that actually trip this type up:

Your prescription

Give yourself permission to accept a good partial answer sometimes — not every question needs a peer-reviewed conclusion.

How to apply this

  1. Copy the prompt above.
  2. Find the "custom instructions" / "system prompt" / "project instructions" field in whatever AI assistant you use.
  3. Paste it in and save.

More INTP prompts

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