B.2:4.2 - Existing-whole comparison and optional result
First perform an ordinary comparison: compare the observed change with direct explanations that preserve the existing whole. Consider better parts, corrected relations, improved measurement, method or Work repair, richer phase coverage, capability change, and architecture-view repair only when their direct patterns make those explanations current. If one explanation is sufficient for the receiving use, keep the existing whole, use that subject pattern, and stop B.2.
When another use must inspect or cite the outcome, identify an optional ExistingWholeExplanationResult episteme whose EntityOfConcern is the existing whole:
| Content field | Value kind and use |
|---|---|
observedChangeClaimRef | U.EpistemeRef resolving to the exact observed-gain or observed-shift claim. |
candidateExplanationClaimRefs[] | Exact claims under their direct subject patterns. |
explanationEvidenceRelationRefs[] | Evidence relations actually used to assess those explanations. |
existingWholeSufficiencyVerdict | `sufficient |
remainingWholeReidentificationQuestionRef? | The exact residual question when the result is insufficient or unknown. |
The comparison is an action a practitioner performs. The optional result records its claim-bearing outcome. Neither is a reusable checklist or Method unless an independent receiving use later requires and defines such an object. The episteme creates none of its referenced claims or relations.