Binding
The threshold at which interpretation becomes action-governing
1. Canonical Definition
Binding is the threshold within an interpretive event at which an interpretation becomes action-governing. At binding, a candidate meaning acquires governing force sufficient to constrain response selection, such that alternative interpretations incur coordination cost. Binding marks the transition from interpretive evaluation to obligation without implying execution, closure, legitimacy, or persistence across time.
2. Phase and Preconditions
Operates: event-internal
Requires: an interpretive event, interpretive jurisdiction, and candidate meanings
Does not require: action execution, closure, crystallization, or legitimate authority
3. Scope and Exclusions
Binding is not:
identical to interpretation or meaning generation
equivalent to action execution or outcome
a closure or finalization event
a guarantee of correctness or legitimacy
a post-event or temporal classification
4. Structural Role
Binding is the governance hinge of the interpretive process. It selects a governing interpretation from among jurisdiction-admissible candidates and produces Action-Governing Meaning (AGM). Binding constrains what responses are permissible within the event, but does not determine which response is taken or whether the event closes.
5. Authority and Legitimacy Status
Authority relation: classifies
Legitimacy relation: relevant
At binding, meaning begins to govern under an operative meaning regime. Whether that governance is legitimate or illegitimate is classified at binding through de jure conditions, not produced by closure or persistence.
6. Common Category Errors
Treating binding as synonymous with action or execution
Assuming binding implies closure or finality
Confusing binding with legitimacy or correctness
Applying binding retroactively after an event has closed
7. Canonical Cross-References
Interpretation • Interpretive Jurisdiction • Meaning • Action-Governing Meaning (AGM) • Meaning Regimes (PCMR / DMR) • Response Routing • Action Determinacy Loss (ADL)
8. Plain Statement
Binding is the moment when an interpretation starts to count strongly enough to govern what can happen next.