Axiomempiricalv1
Under acute stress, the prefrontal cortex degrades in
Under acute stress, the prefrontal cortex degrades in function while subcortical systems remain operational.
Why This Is an Axiom
This is an irreducible empirical claim from Amy Arnsten's neuroscience research. It explains WHY emergency chains must be designed differently than normal chains, but is itself not derivable from other axioms - it is a direct neurological observation about stress effects on cognition.
Source Lessons
L-1059
Emergency chains
Pre-built chains for stressful situations prevent panic-driven reactive behavior.
L-1067
The stress default
What you do automatically when stressed is one of your most important defaults to design.
L-1139
Willpower and stress interaction
Stress drastically reduces available willpower — account for this in your planning.
L-1166
Crisis mode behaviors
Pre-planned behavioral protocols for high-stress emergency situations.
L-1136
Temptation removal versus temptation resistance
Removing temptation costs no willpower — resisting it costs a lot.