Explainable Autonomy via Two Complementary Frameworks
Executive Summary
Two formal models split AI cognition into auditable strata:
| Model | Purpose | Core Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Layer Cognition Engine (FLCE) | Ground reasoning in causal layers | Material → Form → Cause → Telos |
| Agentic Genotype–Phenotype Signaling (AGPS) | Encode agency as recursive signals | YAML → XML → JSON → Markdown |
Both pursue autonomy that remains explainable, composable, and ethically recursive.
Source Links
1 Four-Layer Cognition Engine
Layer Stack
flowchart LR
A[Base LLM<br/>Material] --> B[LoRA Library<br/>Form]
B --> C[Agent “Philosopher”<br/>Efficient Cause]
C --> D[User Goal<br/>Final Cause]
Metaphor Table
| Layer | Function | Classical Cause | Peircean Role | Kantian Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base LLM | Linguistic substrate | Material | Sign | Sensibility |
| LoRA Library | Domain constraint | Formal | Object | Category |
| Agent | Structured reasoning | Efficient | Interpretant | Synthetic a priori |
| User | Purpose vector | Final | — | Telos |
Key mechanisms
- Retrieval-Augmented grounding cuts hallucinations [3]
- LoRA inserts domain priors with <0.1 % parameter delta [2]
- Agent follows ReAct-style thought/act loop with self-verification [5]
2 Agentic Genotype–Phenotype Signaling
Signal Flow (Graphviz Circo)
File–Analogy Table
| File | Semantic Role | Time Scale | Biological Analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| YAML | Identity & hyper-params | Slow | Hormonal regulation |
| XML | Rule tree | Mid | Gene expression |
| JSON | Runtime I/O | Fast | Neural spikes |
| Markdown | Long-term memory | Very slow | Synaptic trace |
Loop dynamics
- JSON reports state →
- XML rewires logic →
- YAML retunes global traits →
- Markdown archives episode → repeat.
No hidden heuristics; every mutation is file-diff visible.
3 Shared Design Principles
- Explainability — Source-traceable outputs; reasoning artifacts logged.
- Modularity — Layers/files upgrade independently; faults localize.
- Recursive Alignment — Telos gating (FLCE Layer 4, AGPS YAML).
- Philosophical Rigor — Aristotle, Peirce, Kant, Heidegger supply coherence.
References
- Spivack N. et al. “Cognition Is All You Need.” arXiv:2403.02164 (2024).
- Hu E. et al. “LoRA: Low-Rank Adaptation of LLMs.” arXiv:2106.09685 (2021).
- Lewis P. et al. “Retrieval-Augmented Generation.” NeurIPS 33 (2020).
- Brown T. et al. “Language Models are Few-Shot Learners.” arXiv:2005.14165 (2020).
- Yao S. et al. “ReAct: Synergizing Reasoning and Acting.” arXiv:2210.03629 (2022).
- SEP. “Aristotle on Causality.” plato.stanford.edu (2005).
- SEP. “Peirce’s Theory of Signs.” plato.stanford.edu (1998).
- SEP. “Kant’s Critique of Metaphysics.” plato.stanford.edu (2004).
- SEP. “Heidegger’s Aesthetics.” plato.stanford.edu (2009).
- Yao S. et al. “Chain-of-X Survey.” COLING (2025).