The Primitive Comparability Theorem: Φ as the Pre-Ontological Foundation for Differentiated Reality

We introduce Φ (primitive comparability) and prove the Primitive Comparability Theorem (PCT): any predictive, shareable physical theory must presuppose Φ, while Φ plus the Closed Cycle Axiom (a phase field ϕ: X → S¹ ≅ ℝ/2πℤ) suffices to reconstruct spacetime structure, matter, dynamics, quantization, and measurement as comparison-structured invariants. The PCT is falsified by either a complete theory formulated without distinction concepts or an experiment detecting an absolute, non-relational fundamental quantity. The argument is developed through thirty formal theses and five closing theorems, including the foundational handoff ϕ → A = dϕ that initiates the Holophase Programme. We explain gauge redundancy as the signature of relational observability, derive quantization from cyclic topology, and conclude with an experimental program in interferometry, topological-invariant cataloging, and consciousness–complexity correlations.