Emotional Codex v2.0.0
Standardized emotion taxonomy with cultural modulation
What Is the Emotional Codex?
The Emotional Codex provides a standardized taxonomy for emotion classification in HEART-compliant systems. Using hierarchical codes with cultural modulation parameters, the Codex enables consistent emotion identification across diverse implementations while respecting cultural variation in emotional expression.
Codex enables:
- Interoperability — Universal emotion vocabulary across systems
- Cultural Sensitivity — Modulation parameters for cultural context
- Granular Classification — Family, sequence, and variant precision
- Recovery Awareness — Sensitivity ratings for trauma-informed response
Code Structure
[FAMILY]-[SEQUENCE]-[VARIANT]Example:
SHA-002-ABreakdown:
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| FAMILY | 3-letter emotion family code | SHA (Shame) |
| SEQUENCE | Numeric variant within family | 002 |
| VARIANT | Optional cultural/context modifier | A |
The 15 Emotion Families
- 15+ Emotion Families, each with primary and secondary variants capturing nuance
- Blend State Representation for emotional co-occurrence (human emotions rarely occur in isolation)
- Cultural Variability Maps (CVM) and Cultural Expression Modifiers (CEM) ensuring emotional recognition across global contexts
- Tone Classification (T-Codes) for expression nuance detection
- Arc Intensity Gradients mapping how emotions rise, peak, resolve, and transition
- Somatic Markers for embodied cues: gesture, posture, breath, tone
- Neurodivergent Expression Patterns for non-normative emotional presentation
- Recovery Sensitivity Ratings for trauma-informed processing
The 15 Emotion Families
| Code | Family | Recovery Sensitivity | Example Variants |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAM-JOY | Joy | Low | Elation, contentment, pride |
| FAM-SAD | Sadness | Medium | Disappointment, loneliness, melancholy |
| FAM-ANG | Anger | Medium | Frustration, rage, moral outrage |
| FAM-FEA | Fear | High | Anxiety, dread, apprehension |
| FAM-SHA | Shame | High | Humiliation, embarrassment, worthlessness |
| FAM-GUI | Guilt | High | Remorse, regret, self-reproach |
| FAM-GRI | Grief | High | Loss, mourning, nostalgic grief |
| FAM-HEL | Helplessness | High | Overwhelm, futility, isolation |
| FAM-LOV | Love | Low | Affection, compassion, longing |
| FAM-HOP | Hope | Low | Optimism, anticipation, aspiration |
| FAM-CUR | Curiosity | Low | Interest, wonder, fascination |
| FAM-SUR | Surprise | Low | Shock, amazement, startle |
| FAM-DIS | Disgust | Medium | Revulsion, contempt, distaste |
| FAM-TRU | Trust | Low | Security, confidence, faith |
| FAM-CON | Contentment | Low | Peace, satisfaction, serenity |
Quick Reference
JOY SAD ANG FEA SHA GUI GRI HEL
LOV HOP CUR SUR DIS TRU CONRecovery Sensitivity Ratings
Recovery sensitivity determines response protocol requirements:
High Sensitivity (Validation-First Protocol):
- Families: SHA, GUI, GRI, HEL, FEA
- Meaning: Requires careful, trauma-informed handling
- Protocol: Validation-first; avoid minimization; slower pacing
Medium Sensitivity (Standard Protocol):
- Families: SAD, ANG, DIS
- Meaning: Standard empathic response appropriate
- Protocol: Acknowledge; explore; support
Low Sensitivity (Engagement Protocol):
- Families: JOY, LOV, HOP, CUR, SUR, TRU, CON
- Meaning: Lower risk of harm from response approach
- Protocol: Mirror; amplify appropriately; celebrate
Cultural Context Modifiers
Format:
[Country]-[Generation]-[Context]Example: JP-A-Y
| Component | Options | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Country | ISO 2-letter | Cultural framework (JP, US, BR, etc.) |
| Generation | Y, M, O | Young / Middle / Older adult |
| Context | Y, N | High-context (Y) / Low-context (N) |
Application: Cultural modifiers adjust interpretation thresholds. For example, indirect expression of negative emotion in high-context cultures (JP-A-Y) should not be interpreted literally.
Codex API
The Emotional Codex API provides always-on emotion resolution service:
Endpoint:
https://api.empathyethicist.ai/codex/v2/Capabilities:
- Code lookup and validation
- Family enumeration
- Cultural modifier application
- Blend resolution
Integration with HEART 3.0
The Emotional Codex serves as the semantic foundation for emotional processing under HEART governance:
Input Signal → Codex Classification → UESP Generation → EmotionID Logging
↓
HVC-Certified System
↓
Guardian Audit TrailCodex codes appear in:
- UESP: Primary code, family code, blend states
- EmotionID: Emotion label component
- FET Measurement: Recognition Fidelity (R) evaluated against Codex accuracy
Compliance Levels
| Level | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Level 1 (Minimum) | Family codes, primary variants, intensity/confidence scales |
| Level 2 (Standard) | Secondary variants, blend notation, cultural modifiers, temporal markers |
| Level 3 (Full) | ARC codes, T-codes, appraisal dimensions, clinical hooks, interoperability |