Interpretive Dynamics

How candidate meanings interact before binding

1. Canonical Definition

Interpretive Dynamics are the event-internal structural processes by which multiple candidate meanings coexist, interact, compete, and stabilize prior to binding within an interpretive event. Interpretive dynamics govern how interpretations are held open, compared, reinforced, or weakened under constraint, without assigning action-governing force.

2. Phase and Preconditions

Operates: event-internal, pre-binding

Requires:

• an active interpretive event

• declared reference conditions

Does not require:

• binding

• action governance

• legitimacy

• closure

• persistence across time

3. Scope and Exclusions

Interpretive dynamics are not:

• binding or commitment

• meaning or action relevance

• authority assignment

• response routing

• closure or crystallization

• drift or temporal degradation

They operate entirely prior to any governing obligation.

4. Structural Role

Interpretive dynamics structure the field of possible meanings inside an interpretive event. They determine how candidate interpretations are generated, compared, and maintained under constraint while no obligation yet exists.

These dynamics supply the inputs to binding by shaping which interpretations remain viable, salient, or dominant as threshold conditions are approached. They do not determine which interpretation will bind, only the conditions under which binding becomes possible.

5. Relation to Constraint and Forces

Interpretive dynamics are conditioned by constraint dominance and are modulated by transition forces (β₆ / γ₆), which affect the rate, softness, and reversibility of movement toward binding.

Interpretive dynamics themselves do not exert force. They describe the structural behavior of candidate meanings prior to commitment.

6. Authority and Legitimacy Status

Authority relation: neutral
Legitimacy relation: not applicable

Interpretive dynamics do not authorize action and do not determine legitimacy. Authority and regime classification become relevant only at binding.

7. Common Category Errors

• Treating interpretive dynamics as indecision or delay

• Collapsing interpretive dynamics into belief, opinion, or cognition

• Assuming interpretive dynamics govern action

• Treating interpretive dynamics as post-closure reflection

• Confusing interpretive dynamics with response routing

8. Canonical Cross-References

Interpretation • Interpretive Event • Constraint Dominance • Transition Drivers (β₆) • Transition Stabilizers (γ₆) • Binding • Action-Governing Meaning (AGM)

9. Plain Statement

Interpretive dynamics describe what happens while multiple meanings are still possible and nothing is yet required.