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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Logic Emerges from Physical Cost: Logical Consistency as a Low-Energy State Proof as Geodesic, Existence as Stability

Authors: Washburn, Jonathan;

Logic Emerges from Physical Cost: Logical Consistency as a Low-Energy State Proof as Geodesic, Existence as Stability

Abstract

We develop a radical inversion of the traditional relationship between logic and physics: rather than assuming logic as a pre-given foundation upon which physics is built, we derive a canonical logical semantics as emergent from a physical cost functional. The canonical reciprocal cost J(x) = 1/2 (x + x^(-1)) - 1 is uniquely determined by normalization, a composition law, and calibration—it is not chosen but forced. We prove three fundamental identifications: Logical consistency is a low-energy (zero-defect) state of a physical system. Proof is a path of zero-cost transitions (geodesic) from premises to conclusion. Mathematical existence is physical stability: defect(x) = 0 if and only if x = 1. Contradictions are expensive (no stable witness); consistency is cheap (a stable witness exists). The cost landscape is the logical landscape. This framework resolves the question "Why is reality logical?" by showing that classical logical structure arises as the induced Boolean semantics on the unique stable minimizer. The results are machine-verified in Lean 4.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green