View source for TDP-001 Term Decomposition Protocol

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== Term Decomposition Protocol ==

'''Canonical Question:''' What is the formal, versioned procedure for decomposing a contested abstract term into a testable mechanism, subjecting it to adversarial counterexamples, and locating either survival or a genuine floor?

{{GameModule
| type = Meta & Framework
| category = Metrology of the Abstract
| Calibration Type = Calibration
| Application Layer = Framework Infrastructure
| Version = 0.1.2
| Maturity = Experimental
| Last Updated = 2026-07-25
| description = Working Standard that defines the Term Decomposition Protocol (TDP) — a repeatable, adversarially-driven procedure for converting contested abstract terms into versioned, testable mechanisms with explicitly located floors. Current version is Provisional and Self-Assessed.
}}

The Term Decomposition Protocol (TDP-001) is the core instrument of Metrology of the Abstract. It treats abstract terms the way physical metrology treats measurement instruments: propose a mechanism, test it against deliberately hostile counterexamples, patch only against documented failures, and continue until the mechanism survives serious pressure or a genuine floor is reached and correctly characterized.

'''Core principle:''' Mechanism is the hypothesis. The adversarial counterexample is the instrument. The floor is legitimate calibration output, not failure.

Current standing of the protocol itself: Self-Assessed / Provisional Working Standard. Independent re-runs are required before any promotion.

Download current version: [[File:TDP-001 Term Decomposition Protocol v0.1.2.docx|Doc]]

== Typical Failure Modes ==
* '''Often confused with:''' A philosophical essay, a finished definition system, or an authority that “settles” the meaning of words.
* '''Should NOT be used for:''' Producing permanent or authoritative definitions; moral or political prescription; claims of universal applicability without independent confirmation.
* '''Common misuse:''' Treating a single Self-Assessed run (especially AI-only) as Confirmed standing; skipping the Counterexample Quality Gate; declaring a floor without separating adjacent questions; inflating instrument_grade beyond documented evidence.

== Revision Trigger ==
This page should be reconsidered when:
* An independent re-run of the protocol or of CR-FAIR-001 produces a material divergence.
* A second term is fully decomposed and reveals a structural gap in TDP-001 itself.
* The Counterexample Quality Gate, Survival minimum, or floor-standing rule is shown to be insufficient under load.
* A machine-readable schema annex is issued.

'''See the Game. Refuse the Game. Build Better.'''

'''This page is under continuous calibration in line with the [[Permanent Beta]] principle.'''
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{{Calibration Dependent}}
{{Calibration Dependencies Display}}
{{Calibration Maintenance}}
{{Framework Reference}}
{{Calibration Procedure Reference}}
{{Tracking Logs Reference}}

[[Category:Metrology of the Abstract]]
[[Category:Working Standards]]
[[Category:Calibration Instruments]]

{{Resource
| Title = TDP-001 Term Decomposition Protocol
| URL = https://www.thesovereigngames.com/wiki/TDP-001_Term_Decomposition_Protocol
| Description = Current Working Standard document (Provisional, Self-Assessed). Defines the mandatory six-step sequence, Quality Gate, floor rules, schema fields, and standing ladder.
| Category = Working Standards
}}

{{Admin Page Status
| categorization = Done
| calibration_review = Self-Assessment
| instrument_grade = Experimental
| validation = Low
| calibration_rationale = First site placement of the formal Working Standard. Protocol exists as a structured document with explicit limitations and recorded improvements from the Fairness run. No independent re-run yet. AI contribution was sequential support only; standing remains Self-Assessed.
| review_confidence = Moderate
| review_date = 2026-07-25
| reviewed_by = William (human) with Grok (structural + content support)
| priority = Core
| review_threshold = 60
| has_backlinks = Not checked
| outbound_links_valid = Not checked
| in_outline = Not checked
| in_category_outline = Not checked
| templates_complete = Done
| formatting_standard = Meets standard
| symmetry_check = Not applicable
| self_report_flagged = No
| terminology_consistent = Yes
| standing_check = Self-assessed only
| drift_report_status = Breadcrumb-Open
| depends_on = Permanent Beta; Metrology of the Abstract
}}