As Easy as A–B–C–D: Diagnosing Coherence Before Collapse

This paper defines a four-step procedural method for applying The Bridge diagnostic. It enables independent observers to classify system stability using only publicly observable evidence. The method is procedural only. It introduces no new laws, diagnostics, variables, interpretations, or governing conditions. ABCD Diagnostic Procedure A — Internal Coherence Assess whether commitments, decisions, actions, and outcomes remain aligned. Persistent internal misalignment indicates instability independent of external conditions. B — Constraint Alignment Assess whether stated constraints actually govern observed outcomes. Misalignment between rules and behavior indicates constraint failure. C — Fragmentation Under Load Assess whether misalignment amplifies under pressure into rule proliferation, inconsistency, or corrective escalation. Amplification indicates coherence loss. D — Trajectory Assess whether the system’s trajectory is stabilizing or degrading across successive observations. Sustained degradation indicates closure of corrective capacity. Output The procedure produces: diagnostic classification only observer-invariant conclusions no prediction, prescription, or interpretation Each step constrains the next. Skipping steps invalidates the diagnosis. Scope Limits This method: does not predict outcomes does not prescribe intervention does not assign causation or blame It evaluates coherence state only. Canonical Note This procedure is a direct operationalization of The Bridge and is fully compatible with DiamondLogic: The Governing Rule of Relational Stability Under Load. No additional primitives are introduced.