1.6 KiB
RFC-0004: Vocabulary
Status: Proposed Phase: The Bedrock Phase
Abstract
This RFC proposes the formalization of Open Engineer's core vocabulary — a conceptual language that engineers already speak informally, whose grammar the standard is documenting.
Motivation
Engineers across all disciplines share an informal conceptual vocabulary. Terms like "bedrock," "the thread," "verification," and "stewardship" carry meaning that transcends any single engineering discipline. Without formal definitions, these terms are used inconsistently, leading to ambiguity and miscommunication.
Observation
Engineers already speak a conceptual language informally. The vocabulary, relationships, definitions, processes, and observations exist in practice. What is missing is a documented grammar — a precise, agreed-upon set of definitions that ensures consistency.
Engineering Principle
Open Engineer is creating an engineering language. Not English. Not Markdown. Not YAML. A conceptual language with precise vocabulary, relationships, definitions, processes, and observations.
Reasoning
A shared vocabulary is the foundation of a shared standard. Without it, the standard is a collection of documents written in approximately the same words but with imprecise, overlapping meanings. Formal vocabulary eliminates this ambiguity and creates a reliable foundation for all subsequent work.
Relationship to Existing Concepts
The vocabulary is defined in OE-0002 (Core Vocabulary). This RFC provides the justification for why OE-0002 exists and why it must be treated as a foundational, frozen document.