> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/product-interface/why-panel.md).

# Why Panel

The Why Panel is the authorization evidence surface. It shows not just what happened, but the full causal chain behind every authorization decision.

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## Panel Views

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Summary" %}
A human-readable explanation of the selected state item, conflict, or action result.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Evidence" %}
References to supporting messages or state changes that influenced the outcome.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Rules" %}
Relevant policy or rule evaluations where available.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Timeline" %}
The event sequence that shows how the current condition emerged.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

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{% hint style="success" %}
**Many AI products stop at explainability language.** Cogna8 ties explanations to governed state, policy checks, and evidence links in the same workflow surface. That is materially stronger because it supports action review, not just narrative justification.
{% endhint %}

Use Why after you identify the affected object in State, Conflicts, or Actions. Start with Summary, then move to Timeline and Evidence when debugging.