Principlev1
Limit real-time recursive metacognitive depth to two or
Limit real-time recursive metacognitive depth to two or three levels before externalizing to avoid working memory saturation and the illusion of depth without genuine inspection.
Why This Is a Principle
This derives from Working Memory Capacity Limit (working memory holds 3-5 items) and Directed Attention as Depletable Resource (cognitive resources deplete with sustained use). The principle prescribes a practical limit on recursive depth: stop at 2-3 levels of meta-cognition in real time and externalize if deeper analysis is needed. This follows from the hard architectural constraint of working memory - each level of recursion adds cognitive load, and beyond a certain depth you're generating verbal descriptions rather than performing genuine inspection. The principle is actionable and prevents the failure mode of stack overflow.