What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim focuses on understanding how structural neutrality is affected by interface constraints in systems across different descriptive layers.

February 8, 2026Open Access

The Locus of Freedom: An Interface Constraint Framework on the Structural NonNeutrality of Cross-Level Systems

YPYang Peng

Key Points

The aim focuses on understanding how structural neutrality is affected by interface constraints in systems across different descriptive layers.
Introduced the Interface Constraint Framework (ICF) for analysis.
Examined the relationship between causation and information across descriptive layers.
Analyzed the implications of non-invertible interfaces for structural neutrality.
Established that systems with non-invertible interfaces cannot be structurally neutral.
Defined 'freedom' in terms of structural locus rather than metaphysical concepts.
Identified normative indispensability and exchange costs between causation and information.

Abstract

This paper introduces the Interface Constraint Framework (ICF) to analyze causal and informational accessibility across non-isomorphic descriptive layers. The central claim is that any system operating across such layers cannot be structurally neutral when connected by non-invertible interfaces. “Freedom” is defined not as a metaphysical entity or value claim, but as a structural locus—a remainder produced by mapping incompleteness and multi-realizability. The framework establishes normative indispensability and exchange costs between causation and information without reliance on advanced mathematics.

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