Stage Mechanics
Scope
This section specifies stage mechanics as epistemic mechanics, not as process mechanics or workflow guidance.
Parallelism
Multiple epistemic activities and states may proceed in parallel. Parallelism does not imply or require a fixed stage sequence (International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 2019).
Regression
Regression is permitted when evidence decays, expires, or no longer supports the current state, or when decisions are reversed (Gilboa, 2010). See Evidence Logic and Decision Theory.
Optionality Preservation
Optionality preservation is a canonical constraint on progression and commitments; it limits irreversible commitments until evidence supports a decision threshold as defined in Definitions.
Strategic Deferral
Strategic deferral is a legitimate epistemic outcome when evidence is insufficient or risk is asymmetric (Gilboa, 2010); see Decision Theory.
Revalidation Coupling
Revalidation requirements are coupled to stage confidence and can trigger regression or deferral; see Evidence Logic.
Non-Operational Boundary
This section does not define activities, deliverables, or recommended workflows.