Constraint Dominance

(Law of Constraint Dominance)
Which constraints control interpretive collapse

1. Canonical Definition

Constraint Dominance is the principle governing which constraints determine the resolution of interpretation when multiple candidate meanings compete within an interpretive event. The Law of Constraint Dominance specifies which constraints prevail when interpretation approaches binding and variability must collapse into a governing meaning.

2. Phase and Preconditions

• Operates: event-internal (pre-binding)

• Requires: an active interpretive event with competing candidate meanings

• Does not require: binding, action governance, Event Closure State resolution, crystallization, or legitimacy

3. Scope and Exclusions

Constraint Dominance is not:

• a binding or governance act

• a post-event classification

• a temporal dynamic such as drift

• a variable, force, or evaluative measure

• a statement about correctness, truth, or morality

4. Structural Role

Constraint Dominance governs how interpretive variability collapses as binding conditions are approached. It determines which constraints—structural, contextual, or jurisdictional—control the resolution of interpretation when not all constraints can be simultaneously satisfied. Constraint Dominance supplies the selection logic that makes binding non-arbitrary.

5. Authority and Legitimacy Status

• Authority relation: neutral

• Legitimacy relation: not applicable

Constraint Dominance does not authorize action or determine legitimacy. Authority and legitimacy become relevant only at binding through regime classification.

6. Relation to Transition Forces

Constraint Dominance specifies which constraints govern interpretive resolution. Transition Drivers (β₆) and Transition Stabilizers (γ₆) act on how quickly and how reversibly that resolution occurs. Transition forces modify binding conditions but do not alter constraint dominance relationships.

7. Common Category Errors

• Treating constraint dominance as a moral or normative principle

• Assuming dominant constraints imply correctness or legitimacy

• Confusing constraint dominance with force application

• Applying constraint dominance post-binding

8. Canonical Cross-References

Interpretation • Interpretive Dynamics • Binding • Transition Drivers (β₆) • Transition Stabilizers (γ₆)

9. Plain Statement

Constraint dominance determines which constraints decide what interpretation wins when not all can be satisfied.