Canonical definitions for the Semantic Operating System and its components.
Last Updated: 2025-12-07
A
Adapter
A bidirectional translation layer that converts between a domain-specific representation and Pantheon IR, enabling cross-domain composition. Examples: Morphogen adapter, TiaCAD adapter, GenesisGraph adapter.
Agency
The scope of autonomous decision-making authority granted to an agent at a specific hierarchical level (Strategic, Operational, Tactical, or Execution).
Agent
An entity executing workflows under orchestration rules. Agents apply operators, read/write semantic memory through authorized pathways, and emit provenance for all actions.
Agent Ether
Universal tool orchestration layer providing Tool Behavior Contracts (TBC) for predictable multi-agent coordination. Enables agents to discover tool capabilities, execution modes, and interfaces through metadata-driven contracts.
Artifact
Any semantic object produced by an operator or engine, including derived structures, intermediate outputs, or final results.
Assumption
A declared, typed parameter or condition associated with an operator invocation or model. Must be recorded in provenance.
Audit Trail
A complete, traceable, tamper-evident record of all transformations, decisions, and state changes within a workflow or system. Essential for compliance and reproducibility.
B
Backend (Compilation)
Domain-specific output format or execution target in Pantheon's compilation model (e.g., MLIR, CadQuery, React, hardware descriptors). One Pantheon IR can compile to multiple backends.
Beth
Knowledge graph and semantic search system within TIA, providing topic-based exploration with relationship traversal. Uses 14K+ indexed files with keyword extraction for rapid discovery.
Blast Radius
The maximum scope of impact or damage a tool, operation, or failure can cause within the system. Used for security analysis and permission scoping.
BrowserBridge
Human-AI collaboration layer enabling shared browser context between agents and humans. Allows agents to observe, assist, and coordinate through the browser interface (Layer 6: Intelligence).
C
Channel
Communication pathway for tool I/O in Tool Behavior Contracts. Types include stdin, stdout, stderr, events, logs, and progress. Each channel has defined format (structured/unstructured) and semantics.
Composition
The ability to combine operators, workflows, or domain representations to create higher-level functionality. Cross-domain composition is enabled by Pantheon IR's universal semantic substrate (Layer 3).
Constraint
A declarative restriction or condition applied to semantic objects or USIR graphs. Must be validated by domain modules or engines.
Contract (Lowering/Lifting)
A formal specification of preconditions, postconditions, invariants, and provenance requirements for transforming between representations. Not an algorithm; a structural agreement.
Cross-Domain Coherence
A system-wide condition where representations across domains interoperate through shared type fragments, invariant structures, and USIR relations.
D
Decision Artifact
A semantic object representing an agent's choice, including operator selection, routing, parameter binding, or workflow branching. Must be traceable via provenance.
Derived Object
Any semantic object produced through a transformation or operator application, with explicit provenance linking to inputs.
Determinism Profile
Classification of an operator's reproducibility guarantee: deterministic (bitwise identical), bounded (within tolerance), or non-reproducible (stochastic). Declared in semantic contracts.
Domain Module
A bounded, versioned package containing schemas, invariants, operator families, validation rules, and tool adapters for a specific domain.
Domain Object
A semantic object defined within a domain module schema and validated by domain invariants.
E
Edge (Pantheon)
A typed semantic connection in a Pantheon graph carrying domain-specific metadata, units, constraints, and rates. Examples: dependency, derivation, composition, data flow.
Engine
A computational component that executes operators over USIR structures. Engines emit typed outputs, validation artifacts, diagnostics, and complete provenance metadata.
Equivalence Relation
A formally defined criterion used to evaluate reproducibility for non-deterministic or approximate operator outputs.
Execution Context
Typed metadata describing the environment, engine/tool configuration, and state snapshot used during operator execution.
Execution Level
Lowest tier of hierarchical agency with narrow scope, minimal context, and tool-level invocation authority. Executes specific operations without strategic planning.
Execution Mode
Tool behavior classification in TBC: sync (immediate return), async (background with callback), job (long-running with tracking), or session (multi-turn interactive).
F
Feedback Loop
A reflection-measurement-correction cycle enabling semantic systems to achieve precision through continuous adjustment. Analogous to op-amps in electronics; a first-class primitive in SIL (Layer 5: Intent).
Fitness Metric
Multi-dimensional measure of system health combining alignment, efficiency, and satisfaction. Used in semantic observability to evaluate intent-execution matching.
Frontend (Compilation)
Domain-specific input format or authoring environment in Pantheon's compilation model (e.g., Morphogen DSL, TiaCAD YAML, GenesisGraph provenance). Compiles to Pantheon IR for universal composition.
G
GenesisGraph
Cryptographically verifiable provenance system with selective disclosure (A/B/C levels). Solves "certification vs IP protection" dilemma through Merkle trees, hash chains, and SD-JWT (Layer 2: Structures, Layer 3: Composition).
Graph (USIR)
A typed directed multigraph representing semantic structures, operator applications, workflows, or constraints.
H
Hash Chain
Tamper-evident provenance structure in GenesisGraph where each record's hash includes the previous record's hash, creating an immutable audit trail.
Hierarchical Agency Framework
Four-tier decision-making model defining agency scope: Strategic (meta-planning), Operational (planning), Tactical (method selection), Execution (tool invocation). Prevents over/under-scoping agent authority.
I
Intent-Execution Alignment
Primary health signal in semantic observability measuring how well system outputs match user intentions. Detected through vector embeddings and multi-dimensional fitness metrics.
Invariant
A declarative condition that must hold for semantic objects, USIR structures, or workflows. Violations generate diagnostics and may halt execution.
Interface (Human)
A read-only or operator-mediated surface for inspection, visualization, and debugging of semantic structures and provenance.
Interpretation Layer (SIM)
A semantic exploration and inspection environment that exposes USIR, semantic memory, invariants, and provenance with consistent visualization contracts.
J
Job
Long-running task execution mode in TBC where tools provide progress tracking, status queries, and result retrieval through defined channels. Enables agent monitoring without blocking.
L
Layer 0: Substrate
Hardware foundation layer in the 7-layer Semantic OS. Home to Philbrick (analog/digital hybrid computing platform) and RiffStack (live performance interface).
Layer 1: Primitives
Computational primitives layer providing 40+ unified domains (audio, physics, chemistry, field simulation, agent-based modeling). Implemented by Morphogen with physical unit enforcement.
Layer 2: Structures
Data structures layer providing geometric modeling (TiaCAD with SpatialRef), provenance structures (GenesisGraph with Merkle trees), and semantic graph foundations.
Layer 3: Composition
Cross-domain composition layer enabling universal semantic integration. Implemented by Pantheon IR (typed graphs), GenesisGraph (provenance composition), and SUP (semantic UI compilation).
Layer 4: Dynamics
Temporal execution and multirate scheduling layer. Morphogen's deterministic scheduler handles 48kHz audio, 240Hz physics, 60Hz control with precise temporal coordination.
Layer 5: Intent
Validation, constraint solving, and semantic correctness layer. Pantheon validation framework enforces type safety, domain constraints, and feedback loops for precision.
Layer 6: Intelligence
Agent coordination and multi-agent orchestration layer. Agent Ether (Tool Behavior Contracts) and BrowserBridge (human-AI collaboration) enable predictable agentic workflows.
Lineage (Temporal)
The chain of creation, modification, and derivation events associated with a semantic object. Must be queryable.
Lowering
A structured transformation from a more abstract representation to a more concrete one, executed through a lowering contract.
M
Memory Access Protocol
Rules governing how agents read, write, or snapshot semantic memory under orchestration control.
Merkle Tree
Cryptographic data structure in GenesisGraph enabling efficient verification of provenance integrity. Each node's hash includes children hashes, allowing selective disclosure without revealing entire tree.
Meta-Layer: Observability
Cross-cutting observability layer in the 7-layer Semantic OS. Reveal provides progressive disclosure across all layers, enabling structure-before-content exploration.
Metadata (Execution)
Structured engine/tool information emitted during operator execution, including environment parameters, tolerances, and runtime status.
Module Boundary
The operational limits of a domain module, beyond which it must defer to USIR or other domains and may not violate global invariants.
Morphogen
Cross-domain deterministic computation system unifying 40+ domains (audio, physics, chemistry, circuits, CAD, etc.) in one type system with physical unit enforcement. Provides bitwise-identical reproducibility (Layer 1: Primitives, Layer 4: Dynamics).
Multi-Shot Learning
Agent learning pattern where knowledge accumulates across multiple interaction cycles, building institutional memory. Enables progressive improvement through reflection and pattern recognition.
Multirate Scheduler
Deterministic temporal coordination system in Morphogen handling different domain update rates simultaneously (48kHz audio, 240Hz physics, 60Hz control) with precise synchronization.
Mutation Path
An operator-mediated modification to semantic objects. All mutations must be recorded via provenance.
N
Node (Pantheon)
Typed graph element in Pantheon IR representing operators, entities, components, or modules. Includes domain semantics, parameters with units, and metadata. Foundation of universal composition.
O
Operational Level
Second tier of hierarchical agency with medium scope, partial context, and planning authority. Translates strategic goals into executable plans but doesn't set high-level direction.
Operator
A typed transformation with explicit signatures, preconditions, postconditions, effect scopes, and provenance emission requirements.
Operator Family
A set of operators within a domain or global layer sharing structure, inputs/outputs, or invariants.
Orchestration
The deterministic execution environment governing workflows, agent lifecycle, memory protocols, and provenance guarantees.
P
Pantheon IR
The Universal Semantic Intermediate Representation - a typed intermediate representation (IR) designed for cross-domain semantic transformations. Pantheon IR serves as the "assembly language for meaning," providing a common substrate for representing concepts, relationships, and operators across different domains (code, infrastructure, knowledge, computation). Enables one source to compile to multiple backends (Layer 3: Composition, Layer 5: Intent).
Parameter (Typed)
An explicit value or configuration passed to an operator, validated against type requirements and recorded in provenance.
Permission
Declared capability requirement in TBC security model. Examples: filesystem-read, filesystem-write, network-access, process-spawn. Enables blast radius analysis and security auditing.
Persistent Object
Any semantic object stored durably in semantic memory with schema and version references.
Philbrick
Modular analog/digital hybrid computing substrate enabling software/hardware co-design. Morphogen code can compile to Philbrick hardware configurations and vice versa (Layer 0: Substrate).
Physical Units
Type system feature in Morphogen and Pantheon enforcing dimensional correctness at compile-time (Hz, dB, m, kg, K, etc.). Prevents unit mismatch errors and enables semantic type checking.
Prism
Set stack query system enabling complex filtering and relationship traversal across semantic structures. Designed for analytics and pattern discovery across provenance graphs (Layer 3: Composition).
Progressive Disclosure
Structure-before-content exploration pattern reducing token usage by 10x-86x. Three-phase workflow: Orient (structure), Navigate (outline), Focus (detail). Implemented by Reveal across all layers.
Progress Model
Tool progress reporting specification in TBC: percent (0-100%), steps (N of M), or indeterminate (unknown duration). Enables agents to estimate completion and allocate resources.
Provenance
A structured record capturing lineage, operator invocation details, inputs/outputs, assumptions, environment, diagnostics, and state snapshots.
R
Rate Limit
Throttling constraint in TBC security model specifying maximum invocations per time period. Prevents resource exhaustion and abuse.
Relation (USIR)
A typed connection between USIR nodes with defined semantics and integrity rules (e.g., dependency, derivation, constraint, containment).
Replayability
The ability to re-execute a workflow with equivalent results under defined equivalence relations and snapshot semantics.
Reproducibility
A contract defining the expected stability of outputs for a given operator or engine (deterministic, bounded, or non-reproducible).
Reveal
Progressive disclosure tool providing structure-before-content code exploration. Outputs AST-based outlines, extracts specific functions, and enables 86% token reduction for agent workflows (Meta-Layer: Observability).
RiffStack
Live performance interface and 6-layer creative compiler for Morphogen.Audio. Provides temporal abstractions for musical expression with real-time synthesis (Layer 0: Substrate, Layer 1: Primitives).
Round-Trip Fidelity
Property of Pantheon adapters where domain → Pantheon IR → domain transformations preserve semantic meaning without loss. Essential for composition guarantees.
S
Safety Threshold
Operational limit or constraint defining safe operating boundaries for systems, agents, or workflows. Part of SIL's governance model ensuring controlled execution.
Schema
A versioned definition of the structure, fields, allowed relations, invariants, and types of a semantic object or USIR pattern.
SD-JWT (Selective Disclosure JWT)
JSON Web Token standard used by GenesisGraph enabling cryptographic proof of claims without revealing underlying data. Enables A/B/C disclosure levels.
Selective Disclosure
Three-level provenance visibility model in GenesisGraph: Level A (public summary), Level B (authorized detail), Level C (full reproduction). Solves certification vs IP protection dilemma.
Semantic Contract
A complete specification binding an operator, transformation, or system component, consisting of:
- Signature: input/output types, arity, required parameters
- Invariants: preconditions, postconditions, preserved properties
- Provenance requirements: emission rules, completeness guarantees
- Reproducibility guarantees: deterministic, bounded, or non-reproducible
- Effects: scope of mutations, side effects on semantic memory
All operators, domain modules, and engines operate under semantic contracts. Specialized contracts (lowering/lifting, reproducibility) are instances of this pattern.
Semantic Memory
The persistent, typed, provenance-complete storage layer for all semantic objects and their relations.
Semantic Object
Any object stored in semantic memory, compliant with a schema, versioned, typed, and linked via provenance.
Semantic Observability
Framework for automated intent-execution alignment detection using vector embeddings, multi-dimensional fitness metrics, and frustration/satisfaction classification. Enables continuous system optimization.
Semantic Passport
A bundle of Trust Assertions packaged for a specific purpose (e.g., job application, agent authorization, access request). Signed by the subject to prove control, with purpose-specific context limiting scope. See: Trust Assertion Protocol (TAP).
Semantic Time
Domain-specific temporal model where each domain defines its own time units, resolution, and causal horizons. Examples: audio (samples @ 48kHz), music (beats @ tempo), animation (frames @ 60fps). Logical time supersedes wall-clock time.
Semantic Type
Type carrying meaning and constraints beyond structural shape. Includes physical units, domain semantics, valid ranges, and invariants. Enables compile-time validation of semantic correctness.
Session
Multi-turn interactive execution mode in TBC where tools maintain state across invocations. Enables conversational workflows and stateful interactions (e.g., REPL, debugger, database connection).
SIM (Semantic Information Mesh)
The interactive environment exposing the structure of semantic memory, USIR, and workflows for navigation, exploration, and debugging.
Snapshot (State)
A versioned capture of relevant semantic memory and execution context used for reproducible runs and inspection.
SpatialRef
TiaCAD's unified position + orientation abstraction enabling composable spatial relationships in parametric CAD. Eliminates manual coordinate frame transformations (Layer 2: Structures).
Stewardship
Governance model prioritizing long-term responsibility and community accountability over ownership. Core principle of SIL's organizational structure and decision-making.
Strategic Level
Highest tier of hierarchical agency with full scope, deep context, and meta-planning authority. Sets direction, allocates resources, defines success criteria.
SUP (Semantic UI Compilation)
Semantic-first UI compilation system translating semantic structures into responsive UI components. Enables provenance-aware interfaces and automatic control generation from parameters (Layer 3: Composition).
T
Tactical Level
Third tier of hierarchical agency with limited scope, local context, and method selection authority. Chooses approaches and techniques within operational plans.
TBC (Tool Behavior Contract)
Metadata-driven specification in Agent Ether where tools declare execution mode, channels, progress model, permissions, and interfaces. Enables predictable tool orchestration for multi-agent systems.
TIA (The Intelligent Agent)
Unified AI workspace and agent framework providing semantic search (Beth), task management, Git workflows, and progressive discovery patterns. Foundation for agent-assisted development (Layer 6: Intelligence).
TiaCAD
Parametric CAD system with SpatialRef unification, reproducible geometry, and visual regression testing. Compiles to Pantheon IR for cross-domain composition (Layer 2: Structures).
TAP (Trust Assertion Protocol)
Pantheon IR schema for expressing typed, contextual, verifiable trust claims. Core shape: Issuer → Claim → Subject + Context + Proof + Provenance. Seven claim types: has-capability, has-credential, has-relationship, controls-key, has-history-with, passed-check, belongs-to. Stored as GenesisGraph edges, queried by Agent Ether for delegation decisions.
Token Efficiency
Measured reduction in LLM token usage through progressive disclosure, structure-before-content exploration, and targeted information retrieval. Reveal achieves 10x-86x reduction in practice.
Trust Assertion
The atomic unit of machine-readable trust in TAP. A structured statement: Issuer → Claim → Subject + Context + Proof + Provenance. Replaces ad-hoc trust signals (résumés, reputation scores) with typed, cryptographically verifiable claims that both humans and agents can reason about.
Trust Claim Types
TAP's minimal ontology for trust claims:
- has-capability: Skills, competencies (with levels: novice → authoritative)
- has-credential: Degrees, licenses, certifications
- has-relationship: Mentored-by, collaborated-with, employed-by
- controls-key: Cryptographic key ownership (identity binding)
- has-history-with: Track record of past interactions
- passed-check: Safety evaluations, compliance audits, assessments
- belongs-to: Organizational membership
Transformation
Any operator-driven modification to semantic objects, USIR structures, or workflows.
Type Fragment
A component of the USIR type system provided by core or domain modules. Must be versioned and validated.
Typed Relation
A relation with declared source and target types, validation rules, and semantics. Required for all USIR edges.
U
USIR (Universal Semantic Intermediate Representation)
A typed, explicit, graph-structured intermediate representation unifying cross-domain structures, operators, workflows, and transformations. See also: Pantheon IR.
V
Validation
A process that checks schema correctness, type soundness, invariant satisfaction, and provenance completeness.
Versioned Identifier
A stable pair consisting of (id, version) used for semantic objects, schemas, operators, and domain modules.
W
Workflow
A versioned, structured operator graph with explicit dependencies, execution semantics, artifact bindings, and replay contracts. Workflow versions are immutable once committed and referenced in all execution provenance.
Summary Statistics
- Total Terms: 112 (v1: 46, v2: +62, v2.1: +4)
- SIL Projects: 12/12 defined
- 7-Layer Architecture: Complete
- Tool Behavior Contract: Complete
- Pantheon Concepts: Complete
- Observability & Agency: Complete
- Governance: Complete
- Trust (TAP): Complete
Version History:
- v1.0 (2025-12-05): Initial 46 terms, core semantic OS concepts
- v2.0 (2025-12-07): Expanded to 108 terms, added projects, architecture, TBC, Pantheon, observability, agency framework
- v2.1 (2025-12-08): Added Trust Assertion Protocol (TAP) terms: TAP, Trust Assertion, Trust Claim Types, Semantic Passport