The Vocabulary
Terms for implementing and discussing semantic validity
Why This Matters
Precise vocabulary enables precise implementation. These terms have specific meanings in this architecture. Using them consistently prevents confusion.
This isn't jargon for its own sake. Each term names something you need to build or check.
Core Architecture Terms
The Three Axes
Every claim exists in three-dimensional semantic space:
Figure 5
- User
- Who is asking, their expertise level, their intent. The same answer isn't right for everyone.
- Subject
- What is being discussed, its certainty level, its domain. Some things are settled science; some are active debate; some are unknown.
- Method
- How the claim was derived, what inference type was used, what confidence is warranted.
- Three-axis tracking
- Maintaining explicit representation of User, Subject, and Method throughout processing.
The Six Constraints
- Referential (WHAT)
- The claim has determinate content. You can point to what it's about.
- Contextual (CONDITIONS)
- Scope and applicability are specified. The claim states when and where it holds.
- Premissive (GROUNDS)
- Support is provided. The claim rests on something—evidence, reasoning, authority.
- Inferential (WHY)
- The conclusion follows from the premises. The logical connection is valid.
- Constraining (LIMITS)
- Boundaries are explicit. The claim says what it does NOT cover.
- Teleological (PURPOSE)
- Purpose is clear. The claim matters for a reason; it connects to user need.
Quick Reference
| Term | One-Line Definition |
|---|---|
| User | Who's asking, expertise, intent |
| Subject | What's discussed, certainty level |
| Method | How derived, inference type |
| Referential | WHAT—determinate content |
| Contextual | CONDITIONS—scope specified |
| Premissive | GROUNDS—support provided |
| Inferential | WHY—conclusion follows |
| Constraining | LIMITS—boundaries explicit |
| Teleological | PURPOSE—relevance clear |
| Valid | All six constraints satisfied |
| Closure | Semantic completeness |
| Refusal | Declining when constraints unsatisfiable |
| Hallucination | Assertion without grounds |
| Drift | Undetected meaning shift |
Vocabulary is infrastructure.
Use these terms precisely and implementation follows.