Constraint
One-liner: A condition that structures a system’s degrees of freedom — reshaping which states are accessible and/or likely — and thereby does causal work.
In Juarrero’s usage
Constraints are causal. They need not impart energy like impacts. Joints, vessels, grammars, catalysts, feedback loops, roles, protocols — all constrain. Context is largely which constraints are in play. Constraints limit and enable.
Not to confuse with
- Only “rules that forbid”
- Only mathematical optimization constraints (related but narrower)
- Efficient causes (pushes)
Everyday example
A riverbed shapes water flow by geometry, not by cue-ball hits on every molecule.
Related
Best local sources
- REPORT §2.2 · CCE ch. 3 · claim C002