Hierarchy (Constraint Physics)
Posture: CRL-0 / observer-only / non-authoritative.
This is a vocabulary ordering used to discipline claims. It is not a derivation, mechanism, model, or causal theory.
What it is
A field-level ordering of primitives and dependent terms used to keep statements scoped and non-overreaching.
What it is not
- Not a derivation
- Not a mechanism
- Not a model
- Not a causal explanation of physics
- Not a proof
The ordering
- Time (constrained substrate; bookkeeps admissible ordering under finite resolution)
- Space / geometry (relational structure)
- Boundary + admissibility (constraints on persistence/change under finite resolution)
- Continuity (bounded relation among states or configurations through which ordering remains composable across admissible passage)
- Energy (cost label for admissible change)
- Mass (stable persistence mode; non-primitive label)
- Gravity / curvature (treated as an effective geometric response associated with stable persistence)
- Measurement / record (boundary-coupling event; finite resolution; irreversibility of record)
Scope + refusals
This hierarchy exists to prevent category errors and over-claims.
We refuse causal or mechanistic language at CRL-0 (e.g., “X causes Y,” “Y arises because X”).
Use dependency-ordering language only: treated as, associated with, depends on, scoped by.
Claim-dependency alignment
For claims made across bounded passage:
- Continuation concerns whether sufficient declared structure remains available for carry. At the level of claim discipline, a continuation claim is permitted or refused. Continuation does not establish that carry occurred.
- Continuity is the bounded relation among states or configurations across passage. It does not establish persistence.
- Persistence names a declared distinction that remains supportable and reassertable after passage under stated bounds.
- Identity is the bounded sameness-claim that may become admissible over supported persistence under declared bounds.
These are claim dependencies, not operational stages.
- Continuation does not establish continuity.
- Continuity does not establish persistence.
- Persistence does not establish identity.
- Identity does not retroactively produce what persisted.
Revision history
The 2026-07 canonical alignment replaces the earlier definition of continuity as a minimal persistence condition. Earlier tagged versions remain part of the public record.
Version pin
This document is version-pinned by tag: public-spine-v0.70.