Charisma as a Branch Outcome: A Structural Account of Constraint-Driven Correction

Authors

Griselda Poe, CUNY Lehman CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 3-15-2026

Abstract

Communication across cognitive layers requires translation. Agents operating under strong layer foregrounding interpret other-layer signals by converting them into their own layer's representational format. In Empathic-modulation-foregrounded (EF) processing, translation terminates once a socially interpretable result is achieved. In Core-foregrounded (CF) processing, translation preserves structural constraints, and processing continues when those constraints are not satisfied. Extreme CF cognition produces two distinct types of mismatch: incoming signals from the Modulation layer fail to satisfy Core constraints, and Core-generated outputs are structurally distorted when interpreted through EF processing. Both mismatches trigger correction attempts. Because the surrounding social environment operates through Modulation-layer communication, correction targeting the environment requires entering the other layer's representational system. This translation requirement produces a branch. Agents for whom entering Modulation-layer thinking is itself coherent achieve successful cross-layer transmission. Agents for whom it is incoherent enter persistent correction loops, withdrawal, or acceptance configurations. Charismatic transmission, persistent correction loops, withdrawal, and acceptance are branch outcomes of the same constraint-driven correction process, not separate types of individuals.

Comments

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19141205

The Core-Modulation Architecture (CMA): A Structural Overview of a 14-Paper Research Program

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/le_pubs/477/