règlesis

Règlesis is a neologism used in theoretical discussions to denote a framework or discipline focused on the design, interpretation, and governance of rules within complex systems. The term is chiefly encountered in speculative philosophy, legal theory, and discussions of rule-based artificial intelligence; it is not yet widely adopted in formal journals.

The term blends the French règles, meaning rules, with the suffix -is, signaling a field of study. It is sometimes described as an attempt to foreground the structural role of rules rather than outcomes.

Core ideas of règlesis treat rules as primary mediators of behavior, emphasizing rule creation, hierarchy, enforcement, compliance, and evolution. The framework distinguishes normative rules (how things ought to be) from descriptive rules (how things are) and examines how rule sets govern interaction, decision making, and governance. The approach is often invoked when comparing how different domains design and implement rule systems, from legal frameworks to algorithmic governance and organizational procedures.

Applications and use: In practice, the term is used in discussions of rule-based AI, regulatory design, and digital governance to compare how various domains structure and enforce rules, and to explore the implications for accountability and effectiveness.

Critique and status: Critics argue the term is underspecified and overlaps with established fields such as normative theory, jurisprudence, and formal methods. Proponents view règlesis as a useful heuristic for cross-domain analysis of rule systems and their dynamics.

Related topics include rule-based systems, normativity, legal theory, governance, and AI alignment.