Project summary

Freedom is the leftover resource (compute for AI, time for humans) after unavoidable costs and external burdens are paid. This project delivers a unified formal framework, working Moral Dilemma Simulator v2.1, and audit model that quantifies real autonomy — with empirical results and a clear path to dynamic compounding simulations.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/b4tim20/time-constraint-theory

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

The Time–Constraint Theory reframes AI autonomy not as raw capability, but as discretionary compute (F = T − I − E_eff − K). It provides:

• A rigorous mathematical decomposition (intrinsic costs, extrinsic burdens, mitigation capacity, coordination overhead, freedom stock dynamics).

• A unified lens that applies to humans, organizations, and AI agents.

• A fully runnable Moral Dilemma Simulator v2.1 (7 diverse scenarios, LLM-compatible, transparency-level testing) audit tool that computes Δ freedom deltas across thousands of runs.

• https://github.com/b4tim20/time-constraint-theory/blob/main/time_constraint_theory.pdf,

• https://github.com/b4tim20/time-constraint-theory/blob/main/theory.md

• Goals for this funding round:

  1. Run large-scale (1,000+ scenario, multi-seed) audits and build the first dynamic simulation of freedom-stock evolution (testing the positive compounding condition α·ρ·δ > β).

  2. Expand the simulator with multi-agent coordination overhead and longer-horizon scenarios.

  3. Open source everything + write a short technical report / preprint.

  4. Produce concrete autonomy metrics that labs and governance teams can actually use.

  This directly addresses key gaps in current alignment work: most research focuses on capability or static behavior; few measure or model usable discretionary resource and its compounding effects.

How will this funding be used?

$12,000 — Compute + large-scale simulation runs (dynamic model over 100+ timesteps)

• $8,000 — Full-time researcher time (3–4 months focused iteration)

• $3,000 — Open-source packaging, documentation, GitHub repo, and public write-up

• $2,000 — Buffer / misc (API credits, minor tools)

Total ask: $25,000 (flexible — any amount helps accelerate this work).

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Timothy Karsch (independent researcher, St. Louis, MO) — author of the Time–Constraint Theory of Entity Freedom and creator of the Moral Dilemma Simulator v2.1. Full details on my profile: https://manifund.org/b4tim20

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Low financial risk — this is independent research with no team, payroll, or burn rate.

Main risk is lack of visibility: the project may not reach enough regrantors in the first few weeks.

If unfunded, the GitHub repo, simulator, audit model, and full theory remain permanently public and reusable. I will re-apply to Manifund/LTFF/fellowships with stronger empirical results. Worst case: the work stalls temporarily but is not lost.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

0