The Epistemic-Reciprocity-Feedback Divergence Theory (ERFDT): A Priority-Ordered Framework for Normative Conflict, Asymmetric Awareness, Reciprocity-Return Mismatch, and Multi-Agent Decision Systems
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The Epistemic-Reciprocity-Feedback Divergence Theory (ERFDT) is proposed as across-domain framework for analyzing decisions that arise when hidden norm violations,asymmetric awareness, reciprocity-return mismatch, and competing decision criteria interactwithin a dynamic system. Its central research problem is not merely the presence of doubt orconflict, but the selection of an executable decision when two criteria prescribe incompatibleactions. The primary case, termed the Asymmetric-Awareness Betrayal Dilemma (AABD),concerns an agent who discovers reliable evidence of another agent's concealed violation whilethe violator remains unaware of the discovery. The central decision dilemma, termed theNorm-Reciprocity Criterion-Selection Dilemma (NRCD), distinguishes normative invariancefrom reciprocity-guided adaptation. The proposed Priority-Ordered Norm-Reciprocity Deci-sion Rule (PONRDR) gives priority to applicable, justified high-priority constraints beforeoptimizing adaptation within the admissible decision space. A Criterion-Priority ResolutionKernel (CPRK) operationalizes this process through evidence verification, norm classification,priority-based action selection, calibrated adaptation, and feedback-driven revision. Theframework formalizes agents, norms, knowledge states, evidence reliability, trust, expectation-observation discrepancy, admissible decisions, and state transitions. It also distinguishesethical permissibility from strategic effectiveness and separates an agent's conduct fromits continued participation in a relationship or system. A sixteen-layer architecture andthree layers of ten analytical case templates are specified for interpersonal, institutional, andmechanical or computational contexts. The manuscript derives conditional propositions andfalsifiable hypotheses while identifying boundary conditions, infeasible constraints, alternativeexplanations, and validation requirements. ERFDT is presented as a research programmerather than a proven universal law.Keywords: Epistemic asymmetry; normative conflict; reciprocity; decision criteria; priorityordering; feedback systems; control theory; multi-agent systems; trust; dynamic decision-making;falsifiability.
Author: Shan, Shamiul Hoque
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225462258