Environment Design for Stable Learning in Hierarchical Adaptive Systems

Key Points

• The aim is to develop a framework for achieving stability in hierarchical adaptive systems through environment design.
• Introduced Environment Design Theory (EDT) as a framework.
• Formulated a branching manifold architecture to reduce conflict density scaling.
• Derived a three-state ordinary differential equation (ODE) system for stress-capacity-coordination dynamics.
• Developed an endogenous risk index to assess self-modification relative to adaptive capacity.
• Proposed seven falsifiable predictions supported by structural micro-validations.
• Conflict density scaling improved from O(n²) to O((n/B)²).
• Established a conditionally closed three-state ODE governing system dynamics.
• Identified a risk index that detects adaptive capacity limits.
• Predictions were structurally validated, supporting the effectiveness of EDT.