Applicability Architecture — Terminology

Status: Concept reference (non-claim)

Purpose: This page defines the term Applicability Architecture and clarifies its conceptual scope.

Definition

Applicability Architecture describes systems that define boundaries of operational legitimacy.

It concerns validity of operational modes rather than behavioural correctness.

Concept Scope

Applicability Architecture is a conceptual framework. It does not describe technical components, software modules, or system interfaces.

Its scope is limited to:

• defining the conditions under which operational modes are considered valid,
• identifying the boundaries beyond which validity is lost,
• and distinguishing between governance authority and operational applicability.

Relation to Governance Systems

Governance systems define what is permitted. Applicability Architecture describes when those permissions remain valid.

Governance operates through authority. Applicability operates through conditions.

The two are related but not equivalent. A system may be authorized by governance and still operate outside its applicability boundary.

Clarification — Legitimacy vs Behaviour

Legitimacy describes whether a system's operational mode is valid within its defined conditions.

Behaviour describes whether a system performs its functions correctly.

A system may be behaviourally correct and operationally illegitimate. These are independent conditions.

Non-Claim Integrity

This page is non-claim. It does not prescribe actions, recommend implementations, or define technical requirements.

End of Applicability Architecture — Terminology