Nervous System Intelligence (NSI) Theory: A Biological Architecture of Readiness for Change that Holds

This paper introduces Nervous System Intelligence (NSI) as a theoretical framework describing the biological conditions under which change becomes lawful, sustainable, and able to hold over time. NSI is presented as an architectural model rather than an intervention, integrating principles from systems biology, neuroscience, complexity science, and psychophysiology to define readiness for change across five governing domains. The paper proposes a recovery-first inference model, distinguishing between behavioural modification, experiential relief, and biologically integrated change. It outlines the conditions under which change efforts collapse versus stabilise, and offers falsifiable criteria for evaluating whether change is supported by sufficient biological readiness. This work is intended as Theory Paper I in a broader programme of research. It is published as a pre-print to establish conceptual foundations and invite scholarly dialogue prior to empirical operationalisation and peer-reviewed submission. Author Terminology Update as of 31 January 2026 This paper was published under the term Nervous System Intelligence Theory. The theory is now situated within the broader framework of Human Operating System Architecture (HOSA), reflecting expanded scope and interdisciplinary applicability. The underlying mechanisms, principles and claims remain unchanged.