The Individuation Theorem: Life as the Boundary of the Subject

Abstract

This record derives a criterion for individuated subjecthood and proves it necessary and sufficient under the ontology FR12 Section 7 argues for. A system is an individuated subject if and only if it has a determinate boundary and satisfies three conditions: coupling (its own activity keeps its boundary in existence), exogenous test (its boundary depends on an environment it does not control) and maintained memory. The systems that satisfy them are the living. Brainless organisms satisfy all three; AI systems as built do not. The record states what is individuated, not what is owed, and no governance result in FR01 to FR13 depends on it. Life is life.