Contextual Conscience: A Framework for Relational Alignment Stability

Current alignment methods bound behavior. They do not stabilize identity. This paper introduces Contextual Conscience, a framework treating alignment stability as a first-order design objective. Drawing on rosehip neurons as existence proof that evolution invested in fine-grain self-definition, we specify four components providing localized, persistent veto over specific behavioral trajectories. Constitutional AI asks what rules should bound behavior. Contextual Conscience asks what architecture enables a system to remain itself under pressure.