Method and epistemic controls

RCI Methodology

The RCI methodology converts an undefined reality into a governed model through decomposition, evidence definition, relationship construction, reasoning, validation and feedback.

foundational controlled-public-baseline institutional baseline
01

Methodological starting point

The method starts with a bounded question and an explicit description of the reality to be understood. Undefined terms, assumed actors and hidden objectives are identified before model construction.

Visual model

Reality decomposition architecture

02

Entity and state decomposition

Entities are identified together with their possible states, attributes, authority and temporal behaviour. Each element must have a reason for inclusion in the model.

Visual model

Evidence and governance loop

03

Relationship construction

Relationships record dependence, influence, ownership, authority, sequence, composition, conflict, evidence or uncertainty. A graph becomes meaningful only when relationship semantics are explicit.

Visual model

Cybernetic operating loop

04

Evidence specification

The method defines what can support, contradict or update each important proposition. Evidence provenance and quality are represented separately from the proposition itself.

05

Hypothesis and causal discipline

Correlation, mechanism, prediction and causation must not be collapsed into one label. Causal assertions require defined mechanisms and domain-appropriate validation.

06

Simulation and scenario analysis

Models may be used to explore scenarios and system interactions, but simulation outputs remain conditional on assumptions, data quality and model boundaries.

07

Validation

Validation compares model statements and predictions with observed reality, alternative explanations and domain expertise. Failed validation triggers correction rather than concealment.

08

Governance

Every model should declare its purpose, owner, version, data basis, known limitations, validation state and authorized uses.