The Category Error of Computation and Structural Necessity
Abstract
Conventional complexity theory characterizes computational hardness through the asymptotic growth of time steps. This metric approach imposes a dimensional reduction on the configuration space. It implicitly assumes that the solution manifold remains topologically trivial regardless of constraint density. This study interrogates that geometric presupposition. We construct a framework synthesizing Algorithmic Information Theory with Homological Algebra and Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics. The analysis identifies a fundamental divergence between Syntactic Rearrangement and Semantic Generation. Problems in class P map to simply connected manifolds where local gradients extend continuously. Conversely, NP-complete problems manifest non-trivial persistent homology. This topological structure creates voids of Inaccessible Entropy. The traversal of such voids by a deterministic polynomial-time process requires the spontaneous generation of algorithmic information. Such an operation contradicts the Principle of Information Causality. The inequality of P and NP is derived as a necessary condition for the preservation of logical and physical consistency in finite systems.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Topological and Geometric Data Analysis
Computability
Logic
AI Algorithms
Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 6 January 2026
- Document type
- Preprint