This work introduces Epistemic Architectures: a foundational framework for designing systems that explicitly represent what they know, what they do not know, and when they must not act. Rather than treating intelligence as optimization alone, the framework proposes a multi-layered cybernetic architecture in which epistemic state, uncertainty awareness, and irreversible consequence are first-class design elements. Central to the approach is the claim that recognized ignorance is itself an operational signal, shaping constraint, escalation, and termination within autonomous systems. The text presents the conceptual foundations of the Phronesis Engine, an epistemic control layer intended to complement learning and optimization by enforcing action only when epistemic conditions are met. It outlines principles for epistemic resilience, structural awareness, and constraint-bearing governance, emphasizing interpretability, responsibility, and failure-aware design. This document serves as a foundational volume.It establishes terminology, architectural primitives, and design axioms that will be expanded in subsequent technical specifications, formal models, and companion texts. The work is published openly to establish prior art, invite scrutiny, and support further research and specialization across disciplines.
Marius E. Torjusen (Sat,) studied this question.