Origin-Anchored Functional Divergence Theory (OAFDT): A Medium-Independent Framework for Baseline Overrun, Functional Contribution, and Origin-Anchored Attribution

AbstractThis manuscript proposes the Origin-Anchored Functional Divergence Theory (OAFDT), a candidate medium-independent framework for analysing systems in which an initial state, initiating contribution, or foundation establishes a reference point for subsequent interpretation, while later processes may substantially transform, extend, or exceed that reference in one or more explicitly defined dimensions.The primary motivating case is an interaction initiated by Agent A and subsequently deepened, intensified, sensitised, maintained, or otherwise functionally extended by Agent B. The central question is not restricted to interpersonal relationships. It concerns the distinction between the historical origin of a process, the later functional state of the system, the causal contributions of its components, and the allocation of credit, responsibility, or explanatory weight.OAFDT separates three analytically distinct phenomena: reference-level overrun, functional contribution crossover, and origin-function attribution divergence. These phenomena can co-occur, but none logically entails the others without additional assumptions.The proposed framework represents process order and functional transition as primary structural elements. Physical time and informational processing are treated as possible implementation dimensions rather than universal prerequisites. The manuscript defines a general process structure, operational variables, candidate estimands, boundary conditions, falsifiable hypotheses, alternative explanations, research designs, and a staged validation programme.The framework is presented as a research proposal, not as an established universal law. Its scientific standing depends on construct validity, identifiable causal estimands, discriminant validity, comparative explanatory performance, replication, and cross-domain evidence.