Expanded Relativity Theory (ERT): Coherence, Agency, and Alignment in Complex Systems

Expanded Relativity Theory (ERT) proposes a systems-level framework for modeling coherence, stability, and collapse in complex systems. Extending classical energy-based formulations, ERT defines systemic coherence as a multiplicative interaction among five interdependent variables: Mass (M), Consciousness (C), Dimension (D), Time (T), and Will (W). Unlike additive or optimization-based models, ERT predicts that systemic collapse occurs when any single variable approaches zero, regardless of the strength of the others. This structure explains failure modes observed in socio-technical, biological, organizational, and artificial systems that appear robust yet fail catastrophically under stress. ERT reframes stability as a coherence condition rather than a resource or intelligence problem. The framework also introduces Detection of Reference Absence (DRA) and Coordinate Instantiation to explain how reference frames enable autonomy and meaning formation in intelligent systems. The compiled document includes: • Expanded Relativity Theory (ERT) v2.0 • Technical Abstract — Core Framework • Phase I: Coherence Under Constraint • Phase II: Desire as Meaningful Gradient • Alignment Operator Metrics Appendix Together these components establish a unified framework connecting systems stability, reference-frame alignment, and gradient-based decision mechanisms across domains including governance, artificial intelligence, infrastructure resilience, and organizational systems.