Definitionv1
Continuous optimization: the mindset and practice of making
Continuous optimization: the mindset and practice of making ongoing, small adjustments to cognitive systems and agents based on context changes rather than episodic events or performance degradation, characterized by three properties: ongoing rather than episodic, small rather than sweeping, and responsive to context change rather than just performance degradation
Why This Is a Definition
This definition establishes the precise semantic boundary of 'continuous optimization' by identifying its genus (a mindset and practice of system adjustment) and differentia (ongoing rather than episodic, small rather than sweeping, responsive to context change). It distinguishes it from episodic optimization and specifies the three defining characteristics that make it meaningful beyond mere platitude.