# Operator 10 — Tension-Resolution (Stage-0 template)

**Operator.** Tension-resolution (dialectic): given a prime C that sits in a genuine **tension**
between two opposed forces, propose the prime that names either (a) the **resolution / synthesis** —
a specific mechanism that DISSOLVES or TRANSCENDS the tension (not merely balances it), or (b) the
**dilemma itself** as a named structure. Hegelian thesis–antithesis–synthesis.

**Pre-filter.** The corpus supplies ready tensions in each prime's `structural_tensions` field
(titled "A vs B"). For the pilot the seed is the frozen 53-sample; each prime's own named tension is
the A↔B, and we ask for the missing resolution prime.

**⚠ EXPECTED HIGH SATURATION.** The corpus already names MANY tensions, dilemmas, tradeoffs, and
paradoxes as primes (risk_return_tradeoff, collingridge_dilemma, social_dilemma,
ambidexterity_exploit_vs_explore, jevons_paradox, braess_paradox, stochasticity_vs_determinism,
mandatory_vs_default_norms, calibrated_rule_vs_moving_world, tension_and_release, `dialectics`,
`paradox`, ...) AND their resolutions. Op-10 also overlaps dualization 1b (the opposed pair itself).
So expect high collapse; the pilot doubles as a saturation check (retire like op-8/12 if ≈0).

**The key discriminator (SYNTHESIS rule).** The overwhelming failure mode is proposing a GENERIC
"balance / tradeoff / moderation / find the sweet spot between A and B" — that is NOT a prime (every
tension has a "balance"). A genuine tension-resolution prime must name a SPECIFIC, structurally
distinct move: a reframing that makes the opposition dissolve, a higher-order structure that contains
both poles, a named third option, or a dilemma with its own load-bearing anatomy. Generic balance →
COLLAPSE.

**Model tier.** Sonnet (identifying genuine tensions + judging generic-vs-specific resolution).

---

## A. The crank prompt (Stage 2 — sonnet, batched)

> You are applying TENSION-RESOLUTION (dialectic) to entries from a catalog of "prime abstractions."
> For each input prime C: (1) identify a genuine TENSION C sits in — C (or a force C embodies) pulled
> against an opposed force; (2) propose the prime that RESOLVES or TRANSCENDS that tension, OR names
> the DILEMMA itself as a structure — if such a prime is genuine and absent from the corpus.
>
> Output a real prime only if it is domain-general, structurally distinct, NOT already in the corpus,
> and — critically — NOT a generic "balance / tradeoff / moderation / sweet spot between the two
> poles." A valid resolution names a SPECIFIC move: a reframing that dissolves the opposition, a
> higher-order structure containing both poles, a named third way, or a dilemma with its own anatomy.
>
> It is NOT a valid NEW if: the resolution/dilemma already exists (COLLAPSE — alias, name it); the
> only "resolution" is generic balance/tradeoff (COLLAPSE — "generic balance"); the tension is not
> genuine or is domain-specific (COLLAPSE — "no genuine tension" / "domain-specific"); or it is just
> the opposite pole of C (COLLAPSE — "dualization re-run", already swept). Bias HARD toward COLLAPSE.
>
> For EACH input C, output EXACTLY:
>
> ```
> INPUT:     <C slug, copied>
> TENSION:   <the A ↔ B opposition C sits in, one phrase>
> CANDIDATE: <the resolution/synthesis or named-dilemma prime — or NONE>
> SYNTHESIS: <the SPECIFIC move that dissolves/transcends the tension (not "balance") — or NONE>
> NEAREST:   <closest existing prime you can name, or NONE>
> VERDICT:   NEW | COLLAPSE
> REASON:    <=12 words>
> ```
>
> **Payload:** `C.slug · "C.one_liner" · C.core (~1 sentence)`

## B. Collapse test
0. Alias-claim verification on NEAREST + the candidate's obvious name (slug + alias map). Exists → alias.
1. Generic-balance filter: if SYNTHESIS is NONE or reduces to "balance/tradeoff/moderation/optimal
   point between A and B" → COLLAPSE (not a prime). This is the primary kill.
2. Dualization-re-run filter: if the candidate is just C's opposite → COLLAPSE (already swept in op-1).
3. Deterministic slug check on any Stage-4 proposed slug. §D amendment inherited.
4. Survivors (specific, absent, non-generic) → sonnet Stage-4, STRONG-only.

## C. Pilot / run — DOUBLES AS SATURATION CHECK
1. Run over the frozen 53-sample (sonnet, 2 batches).
2. Funnel; verify each survivor is absent, non-generic, not a dualization re-run.
3. SATURATION: if ≈0 genuine → retire (record any find). If ≥1 genuine (op-11 precedent), surface a
   widen decision to the owner (full corpus or larger seed).
4. Manifest + SATURATION row + stubs (if any) + runbook/memory/FINDINGS update.

## D. Notes
- The generic-balance collapse is EXPECTED and correct — most tensions have no distinct resolution
  prime beyond "balance them," and the corpus already names the ones that do.
- Op-14 (lattice completion) overlaps: a resolved tension can be a 3rd cell in a {A, B, synthesis}
  space. The op-11 regress-response gap (foundationalism/coherentism/infinitism) is one such seed.
