# Object Model

## Normative objects

- **CoherenceDimension** — a versioned operational construct that names what is measured, where it applies, which evidence supports it, and which uses are prohibited.
- **CoherenceScale** — numeric domain, poles, landmarks, and normalization used by a dimension.
- **CoherenceTarget** — point or interval an authorized profile intends for a context. It is not a population norm.
- **CoherenceProfile** — versioned desired state: dimension targets, principles, values, preferences, constraints, policy references, Authority, Consent, visibility, and provenance.
- **CoherenceObservation** — immutable, contextual estimate supported by minimized evidence and carrying score, confidence, time, context, and observer.
- **CoherenceState** — derived current estimate for one entity/scope and dimension set, with decay and evidence lineage.
- **CoherenceAssessment** — comparison between effective profile and state, including target distance, band drift, boundary status, confidence, and selected response.
- **CoherencePolicy** — governed rules for precedence, hard boundaries, permitted interventions, privacy, retention, appeals, and escalation.
- **CoherenceIntervention** — proposed or executed response with Authority, reversibility, status, rationale, and outcome.
- **CoherenceEvent** — privacy-minimized transport/audit envelope.
- **Sentinel** — an Actor configuration that binds scopes, policies, profiles, capabilities, permissions, and runtime behavior.

## Normative statements versus numeric dimensions

| Construct | Meaning | Example | Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | Normative statement that guides interpretation | “Disclose material uncertainty.” | Explanation, assessment, and governed policy |
| Constraint | Testable rule restricting an Action | “Spending over $500 requires approval.” | Deterministic preflight |
| Value | Declared priority used in tradeoffs | “Transparency.” | Decision rationale; never assumed to be a numeric trait |
| Preference | Defeasible choice | “Prefer concise answers.” | Used when no higher rule conflicts |
| Dimension | Observable continuum | “Directness: guarded ↔ forceful.” | Measurement and target comparison |
| Target | Desired point/range on a dimension | `+20`, tolerance `+5…+35` | Drift assessment |
| Hard boundary | Absolute prohibited condition or threshold | “No coercive threats.” | Constrain/escalate regardless of target |

These constructs MAY reference one another but MUST NOT be collapsed. A value named “transparency” does not become measurable until a valid operational dimension defines observable indicators and limitations.

## Identity and versioning

Every object uses a stable `id`, semantic `schemaVersion`, and object `version`. Published profiles, policies, dimensions, and scales are immutable. Change creates a new version with `supersedes` and provenance. Derived state is mutable through append-only observations and deterministic recomputation. Assessments and Events are immutable Records.