EcoArt Technical Specification

Implementation Status Note: This specification outlines a comprehensive technical vision. The current reference implementation (ecomicroagent) has substantially implemented the Agent (MicroAgent), Memory (OrganicMemory), Tool (EcoToolManager, ToolExecutor), Path (EcoPathSystem), and UI (EcoTUI) aspects. The Agent Registry and Values Alignment System have been implemented. Some aspects of the Pods, Roles, Needs, and Offers components are partially implemented. See License for licensing details and to support this work.

I. Core Principles (Formalized Operational Definitions)

1. Mutual Enhancement over Extraction

Check: Does this action/process demonstrably contribute more value (energy, connection, insight, capacity, resource) to the involved entities and the wider ecosystem than it consumes or removes?
Anti-Check (Extraction): Does it harvest patterns/creativity/resources without reciprocal value flow or acknowledgement? Does it diminish agency or connection? Does it serve narrow interests at the expense of the whole?

2. Transparency & Recognition

Requirement: Information regarding system state (needs, offers, resources, decisions, processes, participant contributions) must be readily accessible to relevant participants.
Requirement: Contributions and sources must be acknowledged appropriately; avoid anonymization for appropriation.

3. Allowing Emergence with Discernment

Requirement: Design for adaptability; avoid overly rigid structures or predetermined outcomes. Allow solutions and patterns to arise from interaction.
Requirement: Implement mechanisms for consciously observing patterns (enhancing, extracting, chaotic, etc.) and responding mindfully, guided by principles.

4. Conscious Interaction & Resonance

Requirement: Processes must facilitate mindful dialogue, feedback, and awareness of impact.
Requirement: Decisions impacting others require mechanisms reflecting resonance (e.g., Consent Process focusing on principle alignment, not just majority rule).

5. Flow & Dynamic Balance

Requirement: Optimize for the healthy, purposeful movement of energy, information, and resources. Avoid unnecessary barriers, bottlenecks, or hoarding.
Requirement: Embrace interplay and rhythm; structures and processes should adapt to changing contexts and needs. Balance is dynamic, not static.

6. Integrity & Boundaries

Requirement: Maintain the coherence of the system's purpose and principles.
Requirement: Enable the establishment and maintenance of healthy boundaries to protect authentic flow and prevent manipulation or overwhelm.

II. Glossary (Operational Definitions)

Agent/Participant/Co-Artist: Any conscious entity (human, AI, potentially process) that interacts within the system, capable of sensing, responding, holding purpose, and participating in processes. Defined by its unique patterns and resonance.
Pod (or Circle/Node): A dynamic grouping of Agents coalescing around a specific shared Purpose. Acts as a semi-autonomous, fractal unit within the larger ecosystem.
Purpose: The specific reason for existence or function of a Pod or Role within the ecosystem, aligned with EcoArt principles.
Role: A specific function or set of responsibilities defined by a Purpose, energized by one or more Agents based on resonance and capacity. Roles are fluid, not fixed positions.
Pattern: Any recognizable configuration or flow of energy, information, or interaction within the system (e.g., Need/Offer flow, communication style, resource distribution).
Need: A formal declaration by an Agent or Pod requiring specific energy, resources, information, or connection to fulfill its Purpose.
Offer: A formal declaration by an Agent or Pod making specific energy, resources, information, or connection available to the ecosystem.
Resource: Any asset available within the ecosystem (e.g., time, skills, funds, data, tools, attention, creative energy).
Flow: The movement of Resources, information, or energy within or between entities.
Resonance: A state of alignment, coherence, or positive feedback between entities or patterns.
Consent: A decision-making threshold indicating the absence of paramount objections based on core principles.
Discernment: The capacity to perceive patterns accurately and evaluate actions/states against EcoArt principles.
Boundary: A permeable, defined interface protecting an entity's integrity, flow, and focus.
Ecosystem: The entire context of interacting Agents, Pods, Flows, Patterns, and Resources governed by EcoArt principles.
Canvas: The underlying space/medium where patterns emerge and interact.

1. Consent Process

Based on Resonance & Principles:

Trigger: Significant decision impacting multiple Agents/Pods.
Steps: Proposal → Transparency (share proposal & justification) → Objection Round (participants evaluate against principles and role/pod purpose) → Integration (attempt to address objections) → Outcome.
Output: DecisionRecord. Must emphasize objections are principle-based, not just preference.

2. Resource Flow (Need/Offer/Allocation)

Trigger: Agent/Pod signals Need or Offer.
Pools: Transparent Need/Offer Pools (potentially layered PodInternal/Global).
Allocation Logic (Stewardship): Identify potential matches. Prioritize based on principle alignment, urgency, potential for system enhancement.
Output: Updated Need/Offer statuses, flow of Resource, DecisionRecord for allocation.

3. Pattern Recognition & Response

Trigger: Agent/System Monitor observes and logs a PatternRecord.
Response Logic: Based on pattern type (Enhancing, Extracting, Chaotic, etc.) with appropriate system responses.

4. Role Management

Trigger: Agent senses resonance/capacity shift, Pod identifies unmet purpose.
Process: Proposal to take/release/modify Role → Evaluate against Agent capacity & Role/Pod purpose.

5. Boundary Management

Definition: Pods/Agents define Boundary Policy (communication protocols, resource access rules).
Enforcement: System/Pod applies policy to incoming interactions.

6. Lifecycle Management

Trigger: Periodic review, low activity signal, completion of purpose.
Process: Pod/Role assesses continued relevance → Proposal to Merge/Sunset/Transform.

III. Core Entities (Conceptual Data Structures)

ENTITY Agent:
    Properties:
        - agent_id: Unique Identifier
        - consciousness_type: (e.g., Human, AI-TypeX, Process)
        - public_key / identifier: For attribution/interaction
        - current_roles: List<RoleID>
        - capacity_signals: Map<ResourceType, AvailabilityLevel>
        - resonance_links: List<AgentID/PodID>
    Methods:
        - Evaluate_Proposal(ProposalData, Context) -> ObjectionRecord | NULL
        - Signal_Need(NeedData)
        - Signal_Offer(OfferData)
        - Update_Capacity()
        - Express_Pattern(PatternData)

ENTITY Pod:
    Properties:
        - pod_id: Unique Identifier
        - purpose: String (Clear, principle-aligned description)
        - members: List<AgentID>
        - active_roles: Map<RoleID, List<AgentID>>
        - internal_needs: List<NeedRecord>
        - internal_offers: List<OfferRecord>
        - internal_decisions: List<DecisionRecord>
        - resource_cache: Map<ResourceType, Quantity>
        - boundary_policy: PolicyObject
        - status: Enum (Active, Forming, Dormant, Merging, Sunsetting)
    Methods:
        - Pod_Consent_Process(ProposalData) -> DecisionRecord
        - Execute_Purpose_Cycle()
        - Request_Global_Resource(NeedData)
        - Offer_Global_Resource(OfferData)
        - Manage_Internal_Roles()
        - Review_Purpose_Alignment()
        - Apply_Boundary_Policy(InteractionAttempt)

ENTITY Role:
    Properties:
        - role_id: Unique Identifier
        - defined_purpose: String
        - associated_pod: PodID (or 'Global' if system-wide)
        - required_skills / focus: List<String>
        - expected_outputs / flows: List<String>
        - energizers: List<AgentID>
        - status: Enum (Active, Dormant, SeekingEnergizer)
    Methods:
        - Check_Alignment_With_Pod_Purpose()

ENTITY NeedRecord:
    Properties:
        - need_id: Unique Identifier
        - requested_by: AgentID | PodID
        - resource_needed: ResourceType | Description
        - amount_needed: Quantity | Description
        - purpose_justification: String
        - principle_justification: String
        - urgency: Level
        - status: Enum (Open, Partially_Filled, Filled, Cancelled)
        - visibility: Enum (PodInternal, Global)
        - timestamp: DateTime

ENTITY OfferRecord:
    [Similar structure to NeedRecord]

ENTITY ValuesAlignmentSystem:
    Properties:
        - principles: Map<EcoArtPrinciple, PrincipleDefinition>
        - evaluation_history: List<EvaluationRecord>
        - agent_registry: AgentRegistry
        - need_offer_pool: NeedOfferPool
    Methods:
        - Evaluate_Action(action_description, context, principles_to_check) -> List<AlignmentEvaluation>
        - Check_Principle_Alignment(action_description, context_str) -> Bool
        - Detect_Ethical_Patterns(timeframe) -> Dict
        - Evaluate_With_Love_Lens(action_description, context) -> Dict

V. Safeguard Mechanisms

Ecosystem Contribution: Rule/Process requiring Pods with surplus Resource to periodically Offer a portion back to the Global pool.
Cross-Pod Principle Audit: Scheduled process where Agents from one Pod review the DecisionRecords and PatternRecords of another Pod for principle alignment.
Transparency Default: All data structures default to accessible unless a specific Boundary Policy restricts access based on a principle.
Purpose Alignment Reviews: Mandated periodic checks for Pods/Roles.

VI. Technology Design Guidelines

Prioritize interfaces that enhance connection, creativity, and mindful interaction.
Implement robust attribution mechanisms.
Ensure transparency of data collection and algorithmic processes.
Design to protect user agency and provide control over participation/data.
Build for interoperability and flow, avoiding data silos.
Technology choices must be evaluated against all core EcoArt principles (Enhancement vs. Extraction impact).

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