ToC - Theory of Change

Theory of Change (ToC) is an ontological framework that approaches change as the primary condition of existence, rather than as a sequence of events or a property of objects. It distinguishes between change itself and difference as its perceptible manifestation. In this view, differences do not constitute change; they arise only when change becomes stabilized and readable within a given regime of resolution. ToC does not begin with space, time, matter, or energy as fundamental entities. Instead, it explores how such concepts may emerge from the relational dynamics of change. Time and space are treated as manifestations of the ordering of differences, energy as a measure of bound differences within stable regimes, and existence as the result of sustained interference patterns. The framework is not presented as a replacement for physics, but as an ontological foundation that seeks to clarify what physical descriptions are descriptions of. It provides a conceptual bridge between philosophical inquiry and physical theory by examining how structure, stability, and laws may arise from self-modulating change. This project serves as an evolving archive of texts and formulations related to the Theory of Change. The material may continue to develop as the framework is refined. Version Notes (from v4 onward) Version 4 First introduction of conceptual applications in physics Included principle-level interpretations of: Gravitation as an effect of relational saturation The double-slit experiment as a consequence of resolution-dependent manifestation Physics was discussed illustratively, not yet as a structural derivation Version 5 Major conceptual shift: wave character of reality formally introduced The last remaining implicit “object” — difference — was removed as a primitive Difference reframed as a result of interference, not a building block of reality Established the first structural bridge to physics via wave behavior, rather than via objects or particles Improved internal consistency of terminology and ontological assumptions Version 6 (current) Introduces explanation for why reality is speed-limited Derives the existence of a maximum propagation rate (speed of light) from relational/gradient constraints rather than from spacetime postulates Frames the speed limit as a consequence of how relational continuity restricts gradient steepness Further shifts the framework from descriptive philosophy toward principle-based physical interpretation