The Principle of Reciprocal Being: A Metaphysical Framework for Reality Through Reciprocity, Transformation, and Relational Identity

The Principle of Reciprocal Being develops a metaphysical framework for investigating whether distinguishable entities, states, conditions, manifestations, or possibilities can participate in non-arbitrary structures of reciprocal determination. The paper distinguishes relation from reciprocity and conceptual reciprocity from structural and ontological reciprocity, while developing formal criteria for weak and strong determinative relevance.

The framework examines reciprocity in relation to ontological dependence, grounding, constitution, internal relations, structural realism, transformation, modal structure, self-limitation, ending, and endlessness. Physical theories: including classical mechanics, relativity, quantum theory, and conservation principles are treated as sources of structural comparison and philosophical motivation rather than as direct proofs of the metaphysical thesis.

Version 1.6 develops the candidate K criterion for strong structural reciprocity, subjects it to reduction tests against established metaphysical categories, distinguishes structural reciprocity from ontological reciprocity, and examines countermodels to universal reciprocal situatedness. Particular attention is given to whether determinate being itself necessarily involves reciprocal structure and to the relationship between finite ending and ontological non-exhaustion.

The work is presented as a philosophical research program rather than a new physical law. Its strongest universal claims remain explicitly conjectural and subject to counterexample, reduction, and further development.

Version 1.6 - August 2026