The Normative Reconstruction of Interstellar Civilization: A New Tripartite Outlook and Governance under Deep Uncertainty (2nd Edition, 6 volumes in total), Volume 1, Chapter 7: Derivation of the Principle of Recursive Freedom

This work is the complete manuscript of Chapter 7 of Volume 1 of a six-volume philosophical monograph, completed independently, in preprint form.This chapter, the first in Part III of Volume 1 of The Normative Reconstruction of Interstellar Civilization, advances the initial core normative principle of Cosmic Responsibility Ethics: the Recursive Freedom Principle (RFP). Building on the integrated framework of the New Three Perspectives and the survival preconditions articulated in earlier chapters, the argument proceeds from a relational ontology and participatory cosmology to establish the intrinsic value of the space of possibilities. This space is understood as the medium through which negentropic organizations—including, but not limited to, human civilization—engage in the universe’s self-discovery. The RFP prohibits actions that diminish the space of possibilities irreversibly, focusing specifically on irreversible reductions rather than all irreversible changes. The chapter systematically addresses seven categories of objections, including concerns of excessive conservatism, neglect of contemporary needs, and anthropocentrism. In response to the conservatism objection, the distinction between “irreversible change” and “irreversible reduction” is clarified, with the Industrial Revolution analyzed as an instance where permanent changes did not necessarily constitute impermissible reductions. To operationalize the RFP, the chapter introduces practical assessment methodologies, including heuristic procedures, the prudence principle, iterative improvement practices, and structural institutional support. The criticism that the RFP neglects contemporary needs is addressed by outlining a framework that incorporates technology transfer and international cooperation, aiming to balance immediate developmental rights with the long-term preservation of possibility spaces. The objection of anthropocentrism is countered by grounding the RFP in the universal properties of negentropic agency rather than in exclusively human values, while acknowledging ongoing challenges posed by cross-cultural and non-human agent perspectives. The chapter concludes by transitioning to Chapter 8, which develops the Negentropy Responsibility Principle (NRP). This principle complements the RFP, as it is concerned with the preservation of negentropy—upon which the viability of any space of possibilities ultimately depends. The complete work consists of six volumes. The submission here is the final draft of Chapter 7 of Volume 1, which constitutes an independent and original research study and is fully included in this archival record. This manuscript is a preprint that has not undergone peer review and may be revised in the future; the preprint is archived to document the chronology of the work’s creation and facilitate open academic exchange, and does not affect subsequent formal publication or copyright registration. No formal publication contract has been signed with any publisher. The copyright is solely owned by the author.