| Fundamental entity |
Strings (1D objects) |
Spin networks (graphs) |
Causal relations (partial orders) |
Distinctions — Spencer-Brown marks arranged in trees |
| Geometry |
Emergent from CFT on worldsheet |
Quantum geometry (area/volume operators) |
Discrete causal set |
Hierarchical distinction tree $T_{N,q}$ |
| Dimensions |
10/11 (compactified) |
4 |
4 |
Emergent 4 from tree automorphisms |
| UV finiteness |
Finite (perturbative) |
Finite (kinematical) |
Finite (discrete) |
Finite (tree depth — finite distinction hierarchy) |
| Time |
Background or emergent |
Emergent (relational) |
Fundamental (causal) |
Emergent — tree navigation through distinction levels |
| Holography |
AdS/CFT |
Area spectrum |
Implicit |
Rigorous on trees (boundary DOF < bulk DOF) |
| Standard Model |
String phenomenology (landscape) |
Matter as defects |
To be developed |
Geometric — branching types at different distinction depths |
| CC problem |
Landscape anthropics |
Unresolved |
Unresolved |
Adelic cancellation — distinction frameworks cancel across primes |
| Testability |
Planck-suppressed |
Planck-suppressed |
Discrete imprints |
CMB log-periodic oscillations, HEP anomalies, 18 protocols |
| Foundational principle |
Worldsheet dynamics |
Canonical quantization of GR |
Causal set growth |
The act of drawing a distinction |