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.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-12-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18409200
Primary Topic
Embodied and Extended Cognition
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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ToC - Theory of Change

Tom E. Redlinger
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Embodied and Extended Cognition
article

ToC - Theory of Change

Tom E. Redlinger
article en

Abstract

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.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Openalex Percentile: Top 28%
Embodied and Extended Cognition
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