Here is the complete reference guide for the Qualitative Causal Parser (QCP v1.0).

1. The Core Equation#

Every causal claim is mapped as a force interaction between an Agonist (the subject with a will/tendency) and an Antagonist (the opposing force).

Formal Syntax: (ID) [Context] :: Agonist(Tendency) Operator Antagonist

1.1 The Context (Optional)#

Defines the scope, time, or location where this dynamic applies. Used primarily when contrasting two different states.

• Syntax: [Time: Past], [Loc: Garden], [Mode: Hypothetical]

1.2 The Agonist & Tendency#

The subject of the sentence and their intrinsic aim.

• Syntax: Actor(Direction: Verb[Intensity])

• Direction:

  • M (Motion/Change): The will to start an action, change state, or disrupt the status quo. (e.g., Grow, Enter, Attack, Quit).

  • R (Rest/Maintenance): The will to maintain the current state, resist change, or withstand pressure. (e.g., Remain, Calm, Survive, Stand).

• Intensity (Optional):

  • +: High magnitude (e.g., Grow+ = Thrive).

  • -: Low magnitude (e.g., Burn- = Flicker).

1.3 The Operator#

Defines the outcome of the struggle.

• > : Overcomes. Agonist wins. (Logic: Despite).

• < : Overpowered. Antagonist wins. (Logic: Because of).

• >>: Easily Overcomes. High-margin victory.

• 0 : Unimpeded. No active antagonism. Agonist acts naturally.

1.4 The Antagonist#

The force opposing the Agonist.

• Entity: Name (e.g., Rain, Friction, Parents).

• Reference: (ID) (The outcome of a previous statement acts as the opposing force).

2. Chaining & Dependency#

How to link statements to form a narrative or causal chain.

2.1 Result as Antagonist (Interaction)#

The outcome of a previous event is the force acting in the current event.

• Syntax: Agonist > (ID)

• Meaning: The Agonist is fighting against the result of statement (ID).

• Example:

  • (1) Mum > Dementia (The Spark)

  • (2) Chloe(M: Give Up) < (1) (Chloe's despair is blocked by The Spark).

2.2 Result as Enabler (Conditionality)#

The current event is only possible because a previous event removed the obstacle.

• Syntax: Agonist 0 | (ID)

• Meaning: The Agonist is unimpeded given that (ID) successfully removed the blocker.

• Example:

  • (1) Umbrella > Rain

  • (2) Me(R: Dry) 0 | (1) (I am naturally dry, enabled by the umbrella).

3. Differential Syntax (Comparisons)#

Used when the explanation relies on the difference between two states rather than a single event.

Syntax: Agonist(Tendency) :: [Context A: Op Antagonist] -> [Context B: Op Antagonist]

Semantic Rules:

1. Agonist Shift: If the Operator flips (e.g., < to >) and the Antagonist is constant, the explanation is the Change in Agonist.

   • Ex: Seeds :: [Old: < Dry] -> [New: > Dry] (Cause = Seed Quality).

2. Antagonist Shift: If the Operator flips and the Agonist is constant, the explanation is the Change in Environment.

   • Ex: Tank :: [Road: >> Friction] -> [Mud: < Friction] (Cause = Terrain).

4. Semantic Reference Table#

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5. Example: Full Stack Parsing#

Text: "I usually can't focus because of the noise. But today I put on headphones and got the work done easily."

Parsing:

1. (1) [Usual] :: Noise(M: Impinge) 0 (Noise exists naturally).

2. (2) [Usual] :: Me(R: Focus) < (1) (My tendency to maintain focus is overpowered by the Noise).

3. (3) [Today] :: Noise(M: Impinge) < Headphones (The Headphones block the Noise).

4. (4) [Today] :: Me(R: Focus) 0 | (3) (I maintain focus naturally, enabled by the headphones).

5. (5) [Today] :: Work(M: Complete) >> Difficulty | (4) (I complete the work easily, enabled by the focus state).