Constraint Continuity Theory — A Minimal Framework for Individuation, Identity, Life and Consciousness

Constraint Continuity Theory is a minimal framework separating four concepts often compressed into one another: individuation, identity, life, and consciousness. Central definition: identity is non-branching self-maintained constraint continuity. An individuum is a bounded, flowing, constraint-closed, locally self-maintaining system. Life is identity entering reproduction, heritable variation, and selection. Consciousness is identity supporting integrated self-model, world-model, valuation, and accessible decision coupling. The framework places identity before both life-as-lineage and consciousness-as-reflection. A formal mathematical supplement (constraint-network formalization and graph-based appendix, identity paradoxa, and pre-life proto-identity) is planned as a separate work and will be linked from this record upon release. Framework draft v0.1. Not a complete biological theory, not a metaphysical doctrine, not an empirical proof of consciousness. Associated framework: Moveo Ergo Sum — The Second Tier (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20610837).