# PBRF Layer 1 Concepts (v1.1): Interaction & Influence (Influence, Causality, Locality, Interaction, Context, System) ## 1. Objective This node continues the development of LCRF Layer 1 by providing operational definitions for concepts related to how different parts of reality affect each other: "Influence," "Causality," "Locality," "Interaction," "Context," and "System." These concepts are derived solely from the refined PBRF Layer 0 Axioms P1-P7 (v1.1) [[archive/projects/PBRF/0216_PBRF_Layer0_Axioms_v1.0]] and build upon the concepts defined in [[0217_PBRF_L1_Concepts_Dynamics_Info_Resolution_v1.2]] and [[archive/projects/PBRF/0218_PBRF_L1_Concepts_Structure_Stability_v1.2]]. They incorporate the hypothesis linking gravity to pattern formation [[Gravity: Pattern Formation Principle?]] conceptually. ## 2. Foundational Axioms & Concepts Recap * **Axioms:** P1 (Existence/Dynamics), P2 (Info/Conditionality), P3 (Finite/Contextual Propagation), P4 (Pattern Formation/Persistence), P5 (Contextuality/Resolution), P6 (Consistency/Conservation), P7 (Emergence Potential). * **Concepts:** Event, Sequence, Distinguishability, Information, Resolution, Pattern, Persistence, Structure. * **Gravity Hypothesis:** Gravity is linked to principles (P2, P4, P5, P6) biasing event probabilities towards pattern aggregation/persistence. ## 3. Core Layer 1 Concepts (v1.1 Definitions) **3.1. Influence** * **Derivation:** P2 (conditional dependence), P3 (propagation of influence). * **Operational Definition (L1):** **Influence** is the capacity for the occurrence or nature of past/concurrent events or patterns to alter the probabilities or characteristics of subsequent events, according to the governing principles (P2). It is the medium through which conditional dependence operates across the Sequence. Influence propagates locally with a finite, context-dependent characteristic speed (P3). **3.2. Causality (Conditionality)** * **Derivation:** P2 (conditional dependence on prior patterns), P1 (sequence). * **Operational Definition (L1):** **Causality** is the principle (P2) asserting that events are not independent but are conditionally dependent on the specific pattern of preceding events according to definite principles. It defines the **directed structure of Influence** within the Sequence. "Cause" refers to the relevant pattern of prior events conditioning a subsequent "Effect" event. * **Gravity Link:** The presence of persistent structures (mass analogues) acts as a significant causal factor, influencing subsequent event probabilities in their vicinity (manifesting as gravity). **3.3. Locality** * **Derivation:** P3 (finite, contextual propagation). * **Operational Definition (L1):** **Locality** is the principle that Influence requires a non-zero duration of Sequence to propagate between distinguishable events or non-overlapping patterns. The characteristic propagation speed is finite and context-dependent (P3). Direct interaction requires proximity within the emergent structure defined by these propagation limits. "Action at a distance" via influence propagation is forbidden. * **Note:** This does not preclude non-local *correlations* established by common cause events in the past, consistent with P2. **3.4. Interaction** * **Derivation:** Implied by P2 (dependence on prior *patterns*), P3 (propagation *between* events), P5 (context defined by *surrounding* events/patterns). * **Operational Definition (L1):** An **Interaction** is a process where two or more distinct Patterns/Structures mutually influence the sequence of events constituting each other, according to the governing principles (P2, P5). It involves an exchange or correlation of Information [[0217_PBRF_L1_Concepts_Dynamics_Info_Resolution_v1.2]] mediated by local Influence propagation (P3). The nature and outcome of the interaction depend on the participating patterns and the context, including the interaction's Resolution (P5). **3.5. Context** * **Derivation:** P5 (contextuality). * **Operational Definition (L1):** The **Context** for a specific event or interaction consists of the relevant pattern of surrounding persistent Structures and ongoing event sequences that influence the operation of the governing principles (P2, P3, P5) determining the event's occurrence, nature, and distinguishable outcome (Resolution). Context includes both the immediate relational structure and relevant historical patterns. * **Gravity Link:** The distribution of persistent structures (mass analogues) forms a crucial part of the context that influences local event probabilities (gravity). **3.6. System (Subsystem)** * **Derivation:** Implied by P4 (persistent patterns), P5 (context/relations), P6 (conservation within isolated systems). * **Operational Definition (L1):** A **System** (or Subsystem) is a Structure or collection of interacting Structures [[archive/projects/PBRF/0218_PBRF_L1_Concepts_Structure_Stability_v1.2]] that exhibits a degree of Persistence (P4) and internal coherence, such that its internal event sequences are more strongly interdependent (via P2, P3) than its interactions with the external Context (P5). An isolated system is one where external influence is negligible, allowing for internal conservation (P6). * **Conceptual Nature:** Systems are emergent entities with identifiable boundaries (relative to a Resolution) defined by interaction strengths and causal coupling. ## 4. Interrelationships and Implications * **Influence** propagates (P3) according to **Causal** principles (P2) within the **Sequence**. * **Interactions** are localized (P3) events of mutual **Influence** between **Systems/Patterns**, dependent on **Context** (P5). * **Context** is defined by the surrounding **Patterns/Structures**. * **Gravity** is reconceptualized as a fundamental aspect of how persistent **Structures** (acting as **Context**) influence subsequent **Event** probabilities via **Causality/Conditionality** (P2) and **Contextuality** (P5). ## 5. Consistency Check These concepts appear consistent with the Layer 0 Axioms P1-P7 (v1.1) and the previously defined Layer 1 concepts. They provide a richer vocabulary for describing the relational, dynamic, and context-dependent nature of reality hypothesized by PBRF, integrating the gravity-as-pattern-formation idea. ## 6. Next Steps 1. **Layer 1 Internal Assessment:** Perform consistency checks and adversarial thought experiments on the full set of Layer 1 concepts defined so far ([[0217_PBRF_L1_Concepts_Dynamics_Info_Resolution_v1.2]], [[archive/projects/PBRF/0218_PBRF_L1_Concepts_Structure_Stability_v1.2]], this node). ([[archive/projects/PBRF/0215_PBRF_Initial_Plan]] Task 3.1). 2. **Layer 1 URFE Response:** Begin generating the consolidated Layer 1 URFE response based on this integrated conceptual framework ([[archive/projects/PBRF/0215_PBRF_Initial_Plan]] Task 3.2).