Reading Order and Method (Why This Sequence)
Use this as the first-pass path through the project. Each layer builds constraints for the next so that claims stay tied to evidence.
1) Orientation (thesis and frame)
- 00_INDEX.md
- Moral_Collapse_Framework.md
- THE COMPLETE SOCIAL DECLINE PAPER OUTLINE.md Why: establishes the thesis, vocabulary, and intended claims before details.
2) Methodology (how evidence is admissible)
- 05_Methodology* (root)
- Moral decline in America the methodology.docx
- The Moral Decline in America methodology.txt Why: fixes the measurement rules and what counts as evidence.
3) Domain baselines (what is being measured)
- 02_Domain_Data*
- 03_Supporting_Materials* Why: defines baseline states per domain before time-series shifts.
4) Historical arc (when shifts happen)
- 01_Decade_Analysis*
- 03_Historical_Analysis* Why: places the inflection points in time, especially 1968-1973.
5) Case studies and control groups
- 03_Case_Studies*
- Amish* Why: provides comparative evidence and boundary testing.
6) Data and synthesis artifacts (where statistics live)
- 07_Raw_Statistics*
- 06_Synthesis*
- MORAL_AMERICA_ANALYSIS.xlsm
- MORAL_AMERICA_CONSOLIDATED.xlsx Why: this is the operational layer used to compute correlations and results.
7) Evidence bundles (one-to-one trace)
- AET_Vault\06_Datasets*
- AET_Vault\07_Evidence_Extracts*
- AET_Vault\08_Results* Why: every claim must trace through dataset → extract → result.
8) Aggregated sources (for completeness)
- _AGGREGATED_SOURCES* Why: preserves provenance and catches missing items without polluting the main working structure.