Canonicalization
This wiki entry defines a term used across VSAVM and explains why it matters in the architecture.
The diagram has a transparent background and highlights the operational meaning of the term inside VSAVM.
Related wiki pages: VM, event stream, VSA, bounded closure, consistency contract.
Definition
Canonicalization maps multiple representations into a single normalized form so equivalence and comparison are well-defined.
Role in VSAVM
VSAVM relies on canonicalization to detect contradictions across paraphrases. Without canonical identifiers, closure cannot reliably detect that two wordings refer to the same claim.
Mechanics and implications
Canonicalization is guided by schemas and may be accelerated by VSA suggestions, but it must remain deterministic and validated. Canonicalization produces fact identifiers with explicit polarity and scope so contradictions are computable.
Further reading
Canonicalization is closely related to normal forms. VSAVM uses it as a core correctness mechanism, not a presentation detail.
References
Canonicalization (Wikipedia) Normal form (Wikipedia) Consistency (Wikipedia)