The Time Dilation Network (TDN): A Four-Layer Framework for Emergent Time from Causal Network Structure

The Time Dilation Network (TDN) proposes that time is not fundamental but emerges from causal network structure. The paper is organized in four layers: foundations, derived results, observational predictions, and open problems. One concrete result: min-cut entanglement entropy reproduces the Page curve exactly (0.8% numerical deviation). Statistical comparison with cosmic chronometer data gives chi²=8.88 vs ΛCDM chi²=16.37.