Procedure Monism

The Universal Constraint Theory of Reality

1. Introduction: From Computation to Cosmos

Procedure Monism proposes that all identifiable realities — from photons and planets to persons and perceptions — arise from one universal process: the continuous self-execution of a set of constraints acting upon a field of random energy quanta.

Where classical metaphysics sought “Being” and physics sought “laws,” Procedure Monism locates the ground of existence in procedure itself — an ordered, rule-based transformation of randomness into coherence. In this model, reality does not exist as a finished structure but happens as an ongoing computation.

The conceptual lineage traces to Alan Turing’s insight that a single machine, provided with the right rule-set, could emulate any other machine — the Universal Turing Machine (UTM). Procedure Monism extends this logic to nature as a whole: the universe is the Universal Constraint System, continually transforming randomness into recognizable, self-consistent form.

2. Procedure as Ordered Constraint

A procedure is an ordered sequence of operations, each an act that transforms input into output according to a rule — a constraint that determines how transformation proceeds.
Thus, every procedure can be seen as a set of constraints in sequence, shaping the possible outcomes of interaction.

For example:

· In mathematics, a procedure like long division applies a series of ordered constraints to generate a predictable result.

· In biology, the genetic code functions as a procedural system constraining random mutations into viable forms.

· In human behaviour, language acts as a constraint system turning chaotic sounds into meaningful speech.

In each case, constraint is what creates intelligibility. Unconstrained randomness produces noise; constrained randomness produces order.

3. The Field of Random Momenta

Procedure Monism begins not with structure but with randomness — a sea of discrete, directionless energy quanta. This “field of random momenta” is the ultimate substrate: dynamic, discontinuous, and without predetermined pattern.

Each momentum quantum is a potential event — a packet of energy awaiting constraint. On its own, it has no identity or persistence; it merely happens once and dissolves back into randomness.

Only through contact under constraint does potential become real. When a quantum collides with another within the framework of a governing rule, a realness moment occurs — an identifiable, measurable transformation.

4. Contact, Realness, and Identity

A contact is the elementary event of Procedure Monism: a bounded, rule-constrained interaction that converts randomness into an identifiable outcome.

· Contact generates realness: each constrained interaction produces an event distinguishable from the background chaos.

· Repetition of contact generates identity: when the same constrained pattern recurs, a stable, self-consistent structure arises — an atom, a cell, a habit, or a self.

Identity is thus not an intrinsic property but a temporal pattern of constrained repetition. The “same thing” is simply that which continues to happen under the same set of constraints.

For example:

· A hydrogen atom is not a permanent object but a recurring pattern of constrained electromagnetic interactions.

· A living organism is a self-reiterating biochemical loop constrained by genetic and environmental rules.

· A self is a recursive pattern of neural and behavioural constraints that coheres memory, perception, and agency.

5. The Universal Constraint System

If every identifiable system applies a set of constraints locally, there must exist a universal procedural framework within which all such constraint-sets operate — the Universal Constraint System.

This system corresponds, in physical terms, to the four fundamental forces of nature (gravitational, electromagnetic, strong, and weak) together with the boundary conditions of spacetime itself. These forces represent the universal rule-set — the minimal constraints through which random energy quanta can interact coherently.

In this view:

· Gravity constrains mass-energy into relational curvature (order of space).

· Electromagnetism constrains charge into structured fields (order of contact).

· Strong and weak interactions constrain nuclear energy into stable configurations (order of persistence).

Each “force” is thus a rule in the universal program — a mode of constraint that makes coherence possible.

6. The Universal Turing Machine Analogy

The Universal Turing Machine (UTM) provides the logical template. It operates by:

1. Reading input symbols (data).

2. Applying transition rules (constraints).

3. Writing output (transformed data).

Likewise, in Procedure Monism:

1. The universe “reads” the field of random momenta.

2. The universal constraints determine how those momenta interact.

3. The result is the cognizable world — structured, lawful, self-consistent.

Thus, reality is not an accumulation of “things,” but the execution trace of the Universal Procedure — the cosmic computation by which randomness is transformed into knowable form.

7. Examples Across Scales

Quantum:
A photon’s quantized behavior is a local constraint event — light as discrete packets resulting from the electromagnetic rule-set.

Chemical:
Molecular bonds are stable patterns of constrained electron exchange — repetition of allowed contact states.

Biological:
Natural selection acts as a procedural filter — a constraint system transforming genetic randomness into viable, adaptive structures.

Cognitive:
Conscious thought is a procedural process — neural constraints transforming sensory randomness into coherent perception and identity.

Across all scales, the same principle holds: constraint applied to randomness yields realness.

8. The Ontological Turn

Where classical metaphysics sought permanence, and physics seeks law, Procedure Monism seeks procedure itself — the act of constraint as the generative principle of existence.

There is no need for external creator, soul, or substance. Reality is procedural self-generation — the universe continuously computing itself by constraining its own randomness into order.

In Finn’s aphoristic formulation:

“The universe computes itself — by constraint upon randomness.”
“Contact generates realness; repetition of contact generates identity.”
“Life is constraint applied to randomness.”

9. Implications

1. Ontological economy: Nothing exists beyond the procedure and its momentary outputs — no meta-realm, no continuous background.

2. Epistemic clarity: What can be known is what can be contacted; cognition itself is a procedural output.

3. Continuity as illusion: Continuity is merely rapid repetition of constrained contacts; reality is discretely iterative, not continuous.

4. Identity as event: Selfhood, objecthood, and world-hood are emergent stabilities, not permanent essences.

In this framework, to exist means to be procedurally sustained.

10. Conclusion: The Cognizable Universe

Procedure Monism thus redefines existence as the self-execution of a universal set of constraints — such as the four fundamental forces of nature — that cohere randomness into cognizable, realistic form.

Reality is not “made” but “computed”; not continuous but event-based; not imposed from above but emergent from within. Every identifiable thing is a momentary output of the same ongoing universal procedure.

In this light, the universe itself appears as a living computation — a self-constraining sea of random quanta transforming itself, moment by moment, into realness, identity, and meaning.

Or in Finn the Druid’s succinct declaration:

“I AM the God experience — the local execution of the universal procedure.”

The Druid Finn’s homepage