Traceability System (Simple, Non-Academic)
Purpose
Make every claim traceable without academic baggage. Use plain language, short IDs, and a single source log. Works in Obsidian and scales across domains.
Core Rules
- Every numeric or factual claim gets a Source ID.
- Every Source ID resolves to one entry in the Source Log.
- Every derived or synthesized claim links to at least two sources or one dataset plus a method note.
- Never hide uncertainty: mark it explicitly.
Simple Markers
- [S:####] = Source ID
- [D:####] = Dataset ID
- [M:####] = Method note ID
- [U] = Uncertain claim (needs verification)
Example:
- “Divorce rates rose from 2.2 to 5.2 per 1,000 between 1960 and 1980.” [S:0123] (source: MASTER_DATASHEET)
- “Composite coherence declines after 1968 as multi-domain sync increases.” [S:0210][S:0311][M:0007]
Source Log Format (single file per project)
File: 14_Data_Core/01_Evidence_Bundles/Source_Log.md
Each entry:
- S:0123
- Title: CDC Vital Statistics Series 21, No. 22
- Type: Primary dataset/report
- Link: https://…
- Accessed: YYYY-MM-DD
- Notes: Table 3, divorce rate per 1,000 (source: MASTER_DATASHEET)
Dataset Log (for data files)
File: 14_Data_Core/01_Evidence_Bundles/Dataset_Log.md
Each entry:
- D:0042
- File:
14_Data_Core/01_Evidence_Bundles/1900-2025_The_Moral_Decay_of_America/07_Raw_Statistics/... - Source: BLS / FRED / CDC
- Link: https://…
- Coverage: 1950-2024
- Notes: extracted on YYYY-MM-DD
Method Notes
File: 14_Data_Core/01_Evidence_Bundles/Method_Log.md
Use when a claim is derived (averages, indexes, ratios):
- M:0007
- Steps: explain transformation in 3-6 bullets
- Inputs: D:0042, D:0043
- Output: reference to the claim location
Obsidian Workflow
- Draft text normally.
- Add [S:####]/[D:####]/[M:####] inline as you go.
- Update logs at end of session.
- Use search for “[U]” weekly; resolve or remove.
Physics/Math Claims (Special Rule)
- Any equation or formal claim must cite:
- Source (paper or dataset), AND
- Method note if it is adapted or translated.
Example:
- “dS/dt = -lambda S + G - E” [S:0402][M:0014]
Visual/Chart Claims
- Every figure caption includes its data source IDs.
- Example: “Figure 3: Trust decline 1964-1974” [D:0031][M:0009]
Minimal Citation Style
- No MLA/APA.
- Use Source IDs and plain links in logs only.
- Readers see clean text; evidence lives in logs.
Quality Bar
- If a claim cannot be linked, mark [U] or remove.
- If a claim is interpretive, mark [M:####] and note the reasoning steps.
Canonical Hub: CANONICAL_INDEX
Ring 2 — Canonical Grounding
- Principle of Least Action
- LOGOS V3 REV4 SHORT LOSSLESS 20260217 114247
- LOGOS V3 REV4 SHORT LOSSLESS 20260217 114353