Invariant Temporal Ordering Framework V24/F4: A Universal Theory of Temporal Succession, Realized Physical Change, and Relativistic Measurement

Invariant Temporal Ordering Framework V24/F4: A Universal Theory of Temporal Succession, Realized Physical Change, and Relativistic Measurement develops a formal ontology of time based on the continuing, non-reversing succession of physical stages across physical systems.In ITOF, time expresses the one universal extension and prior–later ordering of stages across physical systems in the universe. Time is not matter, energy, a field, a force, a coordinate, a metric interval, a clock reading, or a causal agent. Its invariance consists in the fixed prior–later relation between stages: once one stage is prior to another, that relation cannot reverse. V24/F4 postulates one universal prior–later order and objective absolute simultaneity between stages of different systems. Absolute simultaneity is treated as a direct relation, not as a universal material stage, temporal layer, container, substance, or independently acting object. During a shared identity extent, coexisting systems stand in one-to-one, order-preserving stage correspondence, while their physical contents, mechanisms, magnitudes, and rates of change may differ. The framework also formulates a sustained-change postulate: every physical system whose identity extends across a non-zero stage interval realizes physical change within every such interval. This commitment applies to physical systems as bearers, not independently to non-structural factors, transferred quantities, boundary conditions, couplings, constraints, values, or mathematical representations. ITOF maintains a strict type discipline for bearers, stages, complete physical conditions, records, representations, and evidential bridges. Observation can disclose already realized change but does not constitute it, and operational measurement provides approximate access to change and its progression without measuring time itself. In its treatment of relativity, ITOF preserves the mathematical and physical roles of Lorentz transformations, proper time, spacetime geometry, curvature, worldlines, causal structure, and clock comparisons, while rejecting their automatic identification with time itself. In quantum theory, the framework is interpretation-nonselective but not ontologically indifferent: once a physical bearer, identity criterion, and complete condition are specified, the same stage and change requirements apply. A validated bearer-complete stationary representation may therefore count as adverse evidence against sustained change. The preprint presents formal definitions, identity and comparison conditions, universal ordering and simultaneity relations, falsifiability criteria, and an empirical programme for assessing sustained change across physical categories. It is intended for research in the philosophy of time, foundations of physics, relativity, quantum foundations, measurement theory, and physical ontology.