Comprehensive Theory of Self-Determination
A human-centered framework for identity, autonomy, and institutional coherence in the age of complex systems.
What Is CTSD?
Why Self-Determination Matters Today
Contemporary systems are increasingly complex, automated, and fragmented.
Yet the human capacity to choose, take responsibility, and preserve identity is eroding.
CTSD emerges as a framework that restores coherence between individuals, institutions, and long-term societal trajectories.
Identity
Self-determination begins with identity.
CTSD treats identity not as a static label, but as a structured, evolving system across multiple domains.
Autonomy
Autonomy is more than freedom of choice.
CTSD defines it as the sustained capacity to decide meaningfully under systemic pressure.
Institutional Coherence
Institutions shape human behavior.
CTSD provides tools to ensure that systems reinforce human agency, responsibility, and accountability rather than replace them.
How CTSD Works
CTSD is a systemic theory of self-determination. It maps human and institutional identity as an integrated structure across multiple domains, and provides a method to diagnose fragmentation, restore coherence, and design long-term decision capacity.
Domains
CTSD models identity across interconnected domains of human and institutional life.
The Self-Determination Index
CTSD includes an evaluative method to assess autonomy, integrity, and institutional alignment over time.
Forms of Self-Determination
Self-determination is treated as a set of distinct capacities, not a single trait - from choosing to sustaining agency under pressure.
Institutional Design
Institutions are not neutral. CTSD provides principles to ensure systems serve human agency and accountability.
Coherence Principle
A system is healthy when its parts reinforce each other. CTSD measures and designs coherence rather than short-term efficiency.
Applied Framework
CTSD connects theory to practice - education, public policy, civil society, and AI governance - through modular implementation.