Horizons as Limits of Frame Construction: An Operational Interpretation from Finite Accessibility

Arc V — Gravity & Quantum Theory Paper 5 Title Operational Horizons as Limits of Frame Construction:An Operational Interpretation from Finite Accessibility Zenodo DOI 10.5281/zenodo.18225978 Description This paper develops an operational reinterpretation of horizons as limits of frame construction rather than geometric or causal singularities. Within the finite-accessibility framework, a horizon is identified as the boundary beyond which consistent extension of an observer’s inference frame becomes impossible due to collapse of accessible correlations. The analysis shows that multiple horizon concepts—Rindler horizons, black hole event horizons, and measurement-induced horizons—share a common operational origin: failure of distinguishability transport required to sustain a coherent reference frame. This reframes horizons as epistemic and operational phenomena, not ontological features of spacetime. The paper demonstrates that horizon formation is signaled by divergence or saturation in accessibility gradients, independent of coordinate choice or geometric interpretation. Classical causal horizons emerge as a special case of a broader class of operational horizons that apply equally to gravity, thermodynamics, and quantum measurement. By removing geometry from the definition of horizons, the work unifies gravitational, informational, and measurement horizons within a single operational framework and clarifies the role of horizons as structural limits rather than physical barriers. Keywords operational horizons; frame construction; accessibility limits; event horizons; Rindler horizons; observer dependence; emergent geometry Notes Arc V — Gravity & Quantum Theory (structural, conceptual) Horizons redefined as breakdowns of frame construction Unifies gravitational, thermodynamic, and measurement horizons No reliance on geometric or causal primitives Serves as conceptual bridge between strong-field gravity and quantum measurement limits