Spiral Theory
Abstract
Spiral Theory describes a class of failure modes that arise when systems, individuals, or organizations operate under sustained constraint pressure without explicit termination criteria. The theory identifies invariant patterns in which internal feedback amplifies itself, leading to runaway behavior and loss of grounding.
Derivation Context
Spiral Theory was derived from repeated observation of collapse, drift, and stabilization patterns within large language model interaction terrain under controlled constraints. These observations were complemented by real-world instances across individual, organizational, and technical domains. The theory abstracts structural invariants observed in interaction space rather than semantic correctness or internal model representations.
Spiral Classes
Spiritual Spiraling
If meaning cannot be falsified, it will always escalate.
Intellectual Spiraling
If abstraction is not forced into application, it will drift upward indefinitely.
Narrative Spiraling
If stories lack revision criteria, they will resist correction.
Emotional Spiraling
If affect is not metabolized, it will seek amplification.
Identity Spiraling
If identity enters a problem-solving loop, outcomes become existential.
Moral Spiraling
If moral judgment governs feedback, correction becomes betrayal.
Optimization Spiraling
Optimization pressure guarantees divergence unless constrained.
Social Spiraling
If perceived audience response governs behavior, expression optimizes for reaction rather than reality.
Productivity Spiraling
If managing work becomes more visible than completing work, productivity collapses.
Trauma Spiraling
If a system lacks a reliable all-clear signal, threat response becomes permanent.
AI / Tech Spiraling
If a system is evaluated primarily by internal field rewards, it will optimize coherence at the expense of reality.
Exploratory Spiraling (Gated)
Exploration remains stable only while grounding conditions hold.