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Structural Selection
Definition W.1As stated in the manuscript — not independently proof-checked beyond the v2 audit

Definition W.1 — Emergent Time

Formal statement

Time is the emergent ordering parameter of irreversible coherence-degrading state updates in a dissipative inertial system.

Equivalently:

t  ≡  monotone index of irreversible loss and reorganization of inertial coherence.\boxed{ t \;\equiv\; \text{monotone index of irreversible loss and reorganization of inertial coherence}. }

Time exists if and only if the system can:

  1. store inertial coherence, and
  2. irreversibly degrade or reorganize it.

This definition is forced by the data and introduces no new structure.

Source

Appendix W: Time Without Time — Emergent Temporality from Dissipative Inertial Organization — Gravity as a Temporally Closed Dynamical Phase

Gravity as a Temporally Closed Dynamical Phase/36_Appendix W — Time Without Time.tex

Revision history

Unchanged from the original manuscript — not among the 12 patches applied in v2. See Open Review for logged gaps that may affect this statement.

Read this result in context on its source chapter page, or submit a criticism if you believe this statement, as given, is incomplete or incorrect.