Principlev1
External documentation of cognitive processes converts them
External documentation of cognitive processes converts them from degradable tacit knowledge into stable, improvable explicit knowledge that can be systematically reviewed and refined.
Why This Is a Principle
This derives from Generative Externalization (externalization is generative), Externalization Exposes Hidden Structure (externalization exposes gaps), and Knowledge that exists only in tacit form degrades without (tacit knowledge degrades without detection). It's a principle because it prescribes a general action (externalize cognitive processes) that follows from axioms about how knowledge works, applicable across many contexts beyond the specific checklist examples.