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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 3 versions
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Cybernetic Fault Domains: When Commitment Outruns Verification

Authors: Beck, James;

Cybernetic Fault Domains: When Commitment Outruns Verification

Abstract

We hypothesize that when irreversible commitments cross a boundary faster than verification can complete, unverified state transitions accumulate and systems exhibit recurring loss-of-control signatures. We formalize this condition as cybernetic fault domains — boundary-relative temporal regimes defined by a commitment boundary (C_k), commitment-verification lag (Δt), and boundary load (σ) — and provide a measurement protocol with nine domain instantiations spanning organizations, language models, censorship systems, security operations, safety tuning, platforms, representational transforms, optimization dynamics, and synthetic coherence. An architectural containment pattern — governors that separate proposal from commitment and gate crossings of C_k on evidence — is implemented and mechanically tested in one domain via an enforcement kernel with 37 verifiable claims and a dimensionless risk index (R_t = PD/E) that formalizes the gate as a single inequality. Four falsifiable claims, seven testable predictions, and the strongest adversarial target are specified: a system that sustains high Δt and σ without degradation would kill the framework.

Version note: 1.0 is a full rewrite of 0.1 (7 → 72 pages); first stable release.

Keywords

systems engineering, governance, cybernetics, irreversibility, temporal dynamics, language models, fault containment, commitment boundary, dependable computing, socio-technical systems, control theory, computer security

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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
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