> 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/state-types.md).

# State Types

Cogna8 classifies every state item into a core type based on its operational role. Each type has distinct governance characteristics - how resistant it is to decay, how severely its conflicts are treated, and how it participates in action gating.

## Type Classification

The type system captures the full spectrum of information that AI agents rely on - from hard operational constraints to subjective observations. Types range from high-governance (information that can block actions) to advisory (information that informs but does not enforce).

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Each type has **subtypes** for finer classification, and each carries different default behaviors for decay resistance, conflict severity, and gate participation.
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## How Types Affect Governance

| Behavior              | Higher Governance                              | Lower Governance                             |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| **Decay resistance**  | Types representing firm commitments and limits | Types representing opinions and assumptions  |
| **Conflict severity** | Types with operational consequences            | Types with advisory weight                   |
| **Action gating**     | Types commonly required by policies            | Types rarely referenced in gate requirements |

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The type system is designed to mirror how organizations naturally categorize information - from binding constraints to working assumptions - and enforce governance proportionally.
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