> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/core-concepts/conflict-detection.md).

# Conflict Detection

Conflict detection is one of Cogna8's most important capabilities. It continuously monitors state for contradictions and inconsistencies, preventing AI systems from acting on conflicting information.

## What Triggers Conflict Detection

Conflict detection runs **automatically** whenever new state is extracted from a conversation. Every new or updated piece of information is compared against existing active state within the same scope.

## Conflict Dimensions

Cogna8 detects conflicts across multiple dimensions - not just simple value mismatches, but also constraint violations and dependency gaps. The system identifies situations where information is inconsistent in ways that would compromise action safety.

## Conflict Severity

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Critical conflicts** block actions that depend on the conflicting state. They must be resolved before dependent actions can proceed.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning conflicts** are flagged for attention but do not necessarily block actions. They indicate potential issues that should be reviewed.
{% endhint %}

Severity is assigned based on the nature of the conflict and the governance weight of the state involved.

## How Conflicts Are Surfaced

When a conflict is detected:

1. A **conflict record** is created in the system
2. The conflict appears in the **Conflicts tab** of the State Panel
3. The conflicting state items are **linked** to the conflict record
4. The conflict is **recorded** in the audit trail

{% hint style="info" %}
**Conflicts do not block the conversation.** You can continue chatting even when conflicts exist. What conflicts block is **actions** - when an action depends on conflicting state, the action gate will prevent it from proceeding until resolution.
{% endhint %}

## Value Normalization

The system normalizes values before comparing them, preventing false-positive conflicts from formatting differences (like "$50,000" vs "$50k") while catching genuine disagreements.

See [Conflict Resolution](/docs/core-concepts/conflict-resolution.md) for how to resolve detected conflicts.