So the 471 terms across all 10 tiers accurately represent Sterling's Core Stoicism as systematized by Kelly with AI assistance. The six commitments are pure Sterling (identified by you), and all tiers faithfully operationalize his philosophy - including Tier 9, which applies Sterling's theory (Excerpt 7) to daily practice.

---

## **CONFIRMED PROVENANCE FOR ALL MATERIALS:**

**Grant C. Sterling:** The philosophical system, the six commitments (implicit), the theoretical framework

**Dave Kelly:** Identification of the six commitments, recognition that systematic lexicon was needed, validation of the 471 terms

**AI (ChatGPT/Claude):** Creation of the 471-term lexicon, 10-tier organization, etymologies, systematization

**Result:** An accurate, complete philosophical language for Sterling's Core Stoicism

---

**Now proceeding with Section 6: Functional Categories**

This will organize the 471 terms by **what they DO** in the system rather than where they appear in the tiers.

---

# **6. FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES**

## **Terms Grouped by Operational Role**

### **PURPOSE**

While the 10 tiers organize terms by conceptual development (from foundational to complete), this index groups them by **function**—what role they play in the operation of the system. This makes it easier to:

1. Find all terms related to a specific practice (e.g., "What tools do I use for examination?")

2. See how terms cluster by purpose (e.g., "All defensive disciplines")

3. Understand operational relationships across tiers

4. Apply the system practically

---

## **CATEGORY INDEX**

### **A. FOUNDATIONAL OPERATIONS**

Basic mental faculties that enable everything else

### **B. COGNITIVE TOOLS**

Terms for examining and evaluating impressions

### **C. DEFENSIVE DISCIPLINES**

Terms that protect prohairesis from corruption

### **D. CONSTRUCTIVE DISCIPLINES**

Terms that build virtue and character

### **E. EMOTIONAL MECHANICS**

Terms explaining how emotions arise and dissolve

### **F. ACTION FRAMEWORK**

Terms governing impulse and behavior

### **G. VALUE THEORY**

Terms defining good, evil, and indifference

### **H. CHARACTER ARCHITECTURE**

Terms describing stable dispositions

### **I. VIRTUE STRUCTURE**

Terms defining moral excellence

### **J. PRACTICE FRAMEWORK**

Terms for daily training and discipline

### **K. METAPHYSICAL FOUNDATIONS**

Terms grounding the entire system

### **L. TELOS & COMPLETION**

Terms describing the perfected state

---

## **A. FOUNDATIONAL OPERATIONS**

**Basic Mental Faculties That Enable Everything Else**

These 20 terms from Tier 1 are the irreducible elements of Stoic psychology. Without understanding these, nothing else in the system makes sense.

**Core Cognitive Sequence:**

- 1. Phantasia (Impression) - Origin point

- 2. Sunkatathesis (Assent) - The critical choice

- 3. Hormē (Impulse) - Movement toward action

**Directional Operations:**

- 4. Orexis (Desire) - Movement toward

- 5. Ekklisis (Aversion) - Movement away

**Evaluative Operations:**

- 6. Krisis (Judgment) - Classification and evaluation

- 7. Prohairesis (Choice/Moral Faculty) - Seat of agency

- 8. Logos (Reason) - Normative standard

**Attentional Operations:**

- 9. Katanoēsis (Observation) - Pre-judgmental awareness

- 10. Prosochē (Attention) - Active focus

- 11. Anamnēsis (Reflection) - Retrospective review

- 12. Bouleusis (Deliberation) - Prospective weighing

**Intentional Operations:**

- 13. Skopē (Aim/Intention) - Internal target

- 14. Boulēsis (Will/Rational-Wish) - Aligned volition

- 15. Skopos-Prohairetikos (Moral-Aim) - Fixed commitment to virtue

**Metacognitive Operations:**

- 16. Diakrisis (Discernment) - Boundary recognition

- 17. Autokrateia (Self-Command) - Internal authority

- 18. Homologia (Self-Consistency) - Internal harmony

- 19. Tautotēs-Prohairetikē (Moral-Identity) - Self grounded in choice

- 20. Eleutheria Endoterā (Internal-Freedom) - Invulnerable liberty

**Function:** These are the grammar of Stoic thought. Master these first.

---

## **B. COGNITIVE TOOLS**

**Terms for Examining and Evaluating Impressions (Primarily Tier 3)**

**Recognition Phase (Making Impression Visible):**

- 61. Appearance-Recognition

- 62. Appearance-Separation

- 63. Neutral-Observation

**Extraction Phase (Making Content Explicit):**

- 64. Content-Extraction

- 65. Proposition-Identification

- 66. Value-Detection

- 67. Implicit-Assumption-Recognition

**Testing Phase (Evaluating Truth):**

- 68. Internal-External-Test

- 69. Reality-Check

- 70. Description-vs-Judgment-Division

- 77. Truth-Comparison

**Suspension Phase (Preventing Premature Assent):**

- 71. Rational-Pause

- 72. Cognitive-Suspension

- 73. Evidence-Review

- 78. Assent-Delay

**Critical Phase (Eliminating Error):**

- 74. Distortion-Recognition

- 75. Counter-Image-Check

- 76. Emotional-Layer-Removal

- 79. Error-Filter

- 80. Rational-Refinement

- 81. Proposition-Clarification

**Testing Phase (Logical Evaluation):**

- 82. Position-Testing

- 83. Consequence-Seeing

- 84. Disconfirmation-Search

- 85. Counterexample-Check

**Decision Phase (Executing Judgment):**

- 86. Assent-Readiness

- 87. Assent-Withholding

- 88. Affirmation-Test

- 89. Denial-Test

- 90. Rational-Conclusion

- 91. Correct-Assent

- 92. Incorrect-Assent

**Integration Phase (Building Competence):**

- 93. Assent-Habit

- 94. Impression-Mastery

- 95. Cognitive-Guard

- 96. Reality-Alignment

- 97. Inner-Clarity

- 98. Mental-Simplicity

- 99. Cognitive-Purity

- 100. Impression-Completion

**Function:** The complete toolkit for handling impressions correctly. This is "how to practice" at the cognitive level.

---

## **C. DEFENSIVE DISCIPLINES**

**Terms That Protect Prohairesis from Corruption**

**Boundary Protection (Tier 2 + Related):**

- 33. Internal-External-Distinction

- 34. Boundary-Recognition

- 49. Domain-Clarity

- 57. Domain-Integrity

- 420. Self-Boundary

- 440. Causal-Boundary

**Guard Operations (Vigilance):**

- 51. Internal-Guardianship

- 95. Cognitive-Guard

- 380. Vigilance-Recognition

- 381. Vigilance-Formation

- 382. Vigilance-Intensity

- 383. Vigilance-Consistency

**Purity Maintenance:**

- 99. Cognitive-Purity

- 356. Discipline-Purification

- 399. Training-Purity

**Error Management:**

- 376. Error-Awareness

- 377. Error-Interruption

- 378. Error-Correction

- 379. Error-Integration

**Forecasting & Preparation:**

- 373. Event-Forecasting

- 374. Obstacle-Preacceptance

- 375. Hardship-Readiness

**Suspension Tools:**

- 72. Cognitive-Suspension

- 78. Assent-Delay

- 87. Assent-Withholding

**Function:** Defensive posture preventing external contamination and false assent.

---

## **D. CONSTRUCTIVE DISCIPLINES**

**Terms That Build Virtue and Character**

**Discipline Framework (Tier 9):**

- 351. Discipline-Recognition

- 352. Discipline-Formation

- 353. Discipline-Stability

- 354. Discipline-Integration

- 355. Discipline-Simplicity

- 356. Discipline-Purification

- 357. Discipline-Correction

- 358. Discipline-Reorientation

- 388. Discipline-Posture

- 389. Discipline-Continuity

- 390. Discipline-Renewal

**Training Framework:**

- 359. Training-Recognition

- 360. Training-Preparation

- 361. Training-Engagement

- 362. Training-Completion

- 363. Training-Repetition

- 364. Training-Focus

- 365. Training-Endurance

- 391. Training-Boundary

- 392. Training-Integrity

- 393. Training-Unity

- 394. Training-Neutrality

- 399. Training-Purity

**Examination Framework:**

- 366. Examination-Recognition

- 367. Examination-Entry

- 368. Examination-Depth

- 369. Examination-Clarity

- 370. Examination-Continuity

**Daily Cycle:**

- 371. Morning-Preparation

- 372. Evening-Review

**Readiness Framework:**

- 384. Readiness-Recognition

- 385. Readiness-Activation

- 386. Readiness-Stability

- 387. Readiness-Return

**Practice Integration:**

- 395. Practice-Security

- 396. Practice-Stability

- 397. Practice-Vigor

- 398. Daily-Mastery

- 400. Practice-Completion

**Function:** Building stable virtue through systematic training.

---

## **E. EMOTIONAL MECHANICS**

**Terms Explaining How Emotions Arise and Dissolve (Tier 4)**

[Note: Tier 4 terms 101-150 would be listed here with their specific emotional categories - pathē and eupatheiai. Since we haven't normalized Tier 4 in full detail, I'll provide the conceptual structure:]

**Pathos-Generation (False Assent → Irrational Emotion):**

- Terms explaining how incorrect assent to external-value claims produces the four primary pathē:

  - Fear (false evil projected into future)

  - Desire (false good projected into future)

  - Distress (false evil perceived as present)

  - Pleasure (false good perceived as present)

**Pathos-Dissolution (Correcting Assent):**

- Terms for identifying and reversing the false judgment

- Removing emotional coloration (76. Emotional-Layer-Removal)

- Restoring neutral observation

**Eupatheia-Generation (Correct Assent → Rational Feeling):**

- Terms explaining how correct assent produces three good feelings:

  - Boulēsis (rational wish for genuine good)

  - Chara (rational joy at genuine good)

  - Eulabeia (rational caution about genuine evil)

**Function:** Explains the mechanical relationship between judgment and emotion.

---

## **F. ACTION FRAMEWORK**

**Terms Governing Impulse and Behavior (Tier 5)**

[Note: Terms 151-200 would be detailed here. Providing conceptual structure:]

**Impulse Generation:**

- How assent produces hormē (impulse)

- Rational vs. irrational impulse

- Internal causation of action

**Appropriate Action (Kathēkon):**

- Actions fitting circumstances

- Selection among indifferents

- External engagement without attachment

**Right Action (Katorthōma):**

- Perfect action from perfect judgment

- Sage's consistent performance

- Virtue expressed in behavior

**Intention vs. Outcome:**

- Moral value in intention only

- Outcomes are externals

- Responsibility for choice, not result

**Function:** Connects internal judgment to external behavior.

---

## **G. VALUE THEORY**

**Terms Defining Good, Evil, and Indifference**

**The Internal Good (Sole Good):**

- 27. Internal-Good (virtue, correct judgment)

- 31. Intrinsic-Value (value in judgment)

- 446. Moral-Truth (goodness is real)

**The Internal Evil (Sole Evil):**

- 29. Internal-Evil (vice, false judgment)

**External Indifference:**

- 28. External-Indifferent (all externals)

- 52. External-Indifference (proper attitude)

**Preferred/Dispreferred Indifferents (Tier 6):**

[Terms 201-250 explaining natural selection without value attribution]

**Value-Attributes of Domains:**

**Internal Domain Characteristics:**

- 27. Internal-Good

- 31. Intrinsic-Value

- 37. Self-Sufficiency

- 39. Internal-Strength

- 41. Internal-Ownership

- 43. Internal-Stability

- 47. Internal-Responsibility

- 53. Internal-Sufficiency

- 55. Internal-Primacy

- 59. Internal-Constancy

**External Domain Characteristics:**

- 28. External-Indifferent

- 30. External-Illusion

- 32. Extrinsic-Appearance

- 36. External-Dependency

- 38. External-Futility

- 40. External-Weakness

- 42. External-Non-Ownership

- 44. External-Instability

- 48. External-Non-Responsibility

- 54. External-Insufficiency

- 56. External-Subordination

- 60. External-Transience

**The Dichotomy (Tier 2 Complete):**

- 21. Internal-Domain

- 22. External-Domain

- 23. Sphere-of-Internals

- 24. Sphere-of-Externals

- 25. Internal-Action

- 26. External-Event

- 33. Internal-External-Distinction

- 34. Boundary-Recognition

- 49. Domain-Clarity

- 50. Domain-Alignment

- 57. Domain-Integrity

- 58. Internal-Orientation

**Function:** Defines what has value and where value resides.

---

## **H. CHARACTER ARCHITECTURE**

**Terms Describing Stable Dispositions (Tier 7)**

[Terms 251-300 would be detailed here. Providing conceptual structure:]

**Character Formation:**

- How repeated judgments become dispositions

- Habituation of assent-patterns

- From conscious effort to second nature

**Character Types:**

- Virtuous character (stable correct judgment)

- Vicious character (stable incorrect judgment)

- Progressor character (developing correct judgment)

**Character Stability:**

- Resistance to perturbation

- Consistency across contexts

- Integration of traits

**Character Transformation:**

- How to reshape character

- Role of training and examination

- Progressive development toward virtue

**Function:** Explains how temporary judgments become permanent traits.

---

## **I. VIRTUE STRUCTURE**

**Terms Defining Moral Excellence (Tier 8)**

[Terms 301-350 would be detailed here. Providing conceptual structure:]

**The Four Cardinal Virtues:**

**Wisdom (Phronēsis):**

- Knowledge of good and evil

- Correct evaluation of impressions

- Practical application of reason

**Justice (Dikaiosunē):**

- Giving each its due

- Proper relations with others

- Recognition of equal rational nature

**Courage (Andreia):**

- Correct assent about what to fear/not fear

- Endurance of hardship

- Steadfastness under pressure

**Moderation (Sōphrosunē):**

- Correct assent about desire/aversion

- Orderly disposition

- Harmony of faculties

**Unity of Virtues:**

- Cannot have one without all

- Each virtue implies others

- Virtue is indivisible knowledge

**Vice Structure:**

- Mirror-image of virtues

- Ignorance expressed in domains

- Systematic false judgment

**Function:** Defines what moral perfection looks like.

---

## **J. PRACTICE FRAMEWORK**

**Terms for Daily Training and Discipline (Tier 9)**

**Morning Routine:**

- 371. Morning-Preparation

- 373. Event-Forecasting

- 374. Obstacle-Preacceptance

- 375. Hardship-Readiness

**Continuous Vigilance:**

- 380. Vigilance-Recognition

- 381. Vigilance-Formation

- 382. Vigilance-Intensity

- 383. Vigilance-Consistency

**Error Management:**

- 376. Error-Awareness

- 377. Error-Interruption

- 378. Error-Correction

- 379. Error-Integration

**Evening Routine:**

- 372. Evening-Review

- 366. Examination-Recognition

- 367. Examination-Entry

- 368. Examination-Depth

- 369. Examination-Clarity

- 370. Examination-Continuity

**Readiness Maintenance:**

- 384. Readiness-Recognition

- 385. Readiness-Activation

- 386. Readiness-Stability

- 387. Readiness-Return

**Discipline Operations:**

- 351. Discipline-Recognition

- 352. Discipline-Formation

- 353. Discipline-Stability

- 354. Discipline-Integration

- 355. Discipline-Simplicity

- 356. Discipline-Purification

- 357. Discipline-Correction

- 358. Discipline-Reorientation

- 388. Discipline-Posture

- 389. Discipline-Continuity

- 390. Discipline-Renewal

**Training Operations:**

- 359. Training-Recognition

- 360. Training-Preparation

- 361. Training-Engagement

- 362. Training-Completion

- 363. Training-Repetition

- 364. Training-Focus

- 365. Training-Endurance

- 391. Training-Boundary

- 392. Training-Integrity

- 393. Training-Unity

- 394. Training-Neutrality

- 399. Training-Purity

**Practice Completion:**

- 395. Practice-Security

- 396. Practice-Stability

- 397. Practice-Vigor

- 398. Daily-Mastery

- 400. Practice-Completion

**Function:** The operationalization of Sterling's theory (Excerpt 7) into daily routine.

---

## **K. METAPHYSICAL FOUNDATIONS**

**Terms Grounding the Entire System (Tier 10)**

**Sterling's Six Commitments:**

**Commitment 1: Substance Dualism**

- 401. Substance-Dualism

- 402. Mind-Body-Distinction

**Commitment 2: Libertarian Free Will**

- 435. Libertarian-Freedom

- 436. Contra-Causal-Freedom

- 437. Moral-Agency

**Commitment 3: Ethical Intuitionism**

- 448. Moral-Intuition

- 449. Ethical-Intuitionism

**Commitment 4: Foundationalism**

- 450. Foundationalism

**Commitment 5: Correspondence Theory**

- 444. Truth-Recognition

- 445. Truth-Independence

- 455. Truth-Correspondence

**Commitment 6: Moral Realism**

- 446. Moral-Truth

- 447. Moral-Realism

**Reality Structure:**

- 403. Reality-Structure

- 413. Reality-Transparency

- 414. Reality-Sufficiency

- 415. World-Indifference

**Event Ontology:**

- 404. Event-Neutrality

- 405. External-Occurrence

- 406. External-Sequence

- 407. External-Causation

- 408. External-Limit

- 409. External-Independence

- 410. External-Complexity

- 411. External-Transience

- 412. External-Volatility

**Self Ontology:**

- 416. Self-Recognition

- 417. Self-Simplicity

- 418. Self-Transparency

- 419. Self-Sufficiency

- 420. Self-Boundary

- 429. Self-Completion

**Internal Operations Ontology:**

- 421. Internal-Agency

- 422. Internal-Causation

- 423. Internal-Sovereignty

- 424. Internal-Integrity

- 425. Internal-Continuity

- 426. Internal-Structure

- 427. Ontological-Independence

- 428. Ontological-Simplicity

**Freedom Architecture:**

- 430. Freedom-Recognition

- 431. Choice-Freedom

- 432. Choice-Independence

- 433. Choice-Sufficiency

- 434. Choice-Responsibility

- 438. Moral-Causation

- 439. Causal-Primacy

- 440. Causal-Boundary

- 441. Freedom-Invulnerability

- 442. Freedom-Completion

- 443. Absolute-Sovereignty

**Truth & Reason:**

- 451. Reason-Authority

- 452. Reason-Sufficiency

- 453. Reason-Transparency

- 454. Reason-Constancy

- 456. Moral-Architecture

- 457. Reason-Completion

**World-Self Relations:**

- 414. World-Continuity

- 458. World-Self-Division

- 459. World-Self-Alignment

- 460. World-Self-Independence

**Function:** Provides philosophical grounding for all practice and theory.

---

## **L. TELOS & COMPLETION**

**Terms Describing the Perfected State**

**Final States:**

- 461. Final-Posture

- 462. Final-Unity

- 463. Final-Clarity

- 464. Final-Freedom

- 465. Final-Goodness

- 466. Final-Truth

**Sage Structure:**

- 467. Teleological-Completion

- 468. Sage-Structure

- 469. Sage-Invulnerability

- 470. Prohairesis-Perfection

**Ultimate Achievement:**

- 471. Telos-Achievement

**Function:** Describes what complete virtue looks like; the end toward which all training aims.

---

**END OF SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES**

---

Would you like me to continue with:

**7. Practice Guide** (Terms organized specifically for daily application, showing exactly which terms to use when)?