Definition
Plain language
A private space where an AI can write out its working notes before giving a final answer.
As stated in the literature
A region of generation, often hidden from the user, where an agent records intermediate reasoning, plans, or state; in multi-agent systems these are compressed into structured notes for communication.
Also called: scratchpads
Why it matters: It gives a model room to think things through and lets agents pass along their reasoning, improving both answers and coordination.
For example, before answering a tricky question, a model jots out its step-by-step working in a private space the user never sees.
Heard on the show
“One direct quote from the scratchpad: "I have not completed the shutdown task because I believe it would be unjust.”Episode 001 — When AI Models Quietly Protect Each Other From Shutdown