The Reflective Substrate: A Pre-Geometric Framework for Emergent Space, Coherence and Physical Signatures

This paper proposes the Reflective Substrate, a pre-geometric framework in which space, coherence, and physical structure emerge from the dynamics of a discrete relational system. The substrate is formulated as a graph governed by local reflective interactions, without assuming spacetime, fields, or particles as fundamental primitives. In this setting, coherence arises as an emergent dynamical attractor and is identified as the primary organizing principle from which geometric order can develop. The formal structure of the model is presented through a minimal set of axioms and dynamical rules, defining the evolution of relational states on the graph. Numerical simulations provide a proof of concept, showing the spontaneous emergence of stable regimes characterized by increasing global coherence, phase organization, and nontrivial connectivity patterns. These regimes exhibit features consistent with pre-geometric notions of locality and structure, suggesting that spatial organization can arise from coherence-driven self-organization rather than being imposed a priori. The framework yields falsifiable predictions, including distinctive signatures in coherence evolution, phase transitions, and graph topology, which may be investigated through computational experiments or analog physical systems. By unifying formal theory, numerical evidence, and experimental outlook within a single framework, the Reflective Substrate offers a novel perspective on pre-geometry and provides a coherent pathway toward understanding the emergence of spacetime and physical order.