Threshold Emergence Theory of Action (TETA): Core Theory and Structural Foundational Hypotheses

This paper proposes the Threshold Emergence Theory of Action (TETA), a structural framework that reconceptualizes human action not as a continuous probability variable but as a phase transition phenomenon. The theory is built around six structural variables — Reward (R), Loss/Uncertainty (L), Cost (C), Drive (D), Threshold (T), and Taboo Gate (K) — and four Foundational Hypotheses (FH1–FH4) that specify their interaction dynamics, including dead zones below local thresholds, bounded activation intensity, multiplicative amplification by drive, and absolute behavioral suppression by taboo gates. Unlike conventional decision models that treat unexplained behavioral variation as random error, TETA interprets it as arising from unobserved state variables and dynamic thresholds. The framework generates falsifiable predictions regarding non-action as a metastable state, hysteresis in sequential behavior, and asymmetric intervention effects. This is the first paper in a planned three-part research program; companion papers will address multi-purpose extensions and implementation/validation protocols.