TST Metaphysics: The Split

TST Metaphysics begins with a simple distinction: one known mind-independent world with two distinguishable layers. The first is reality itself. The second is the layer of ideas minds form within it. Within the known world, TST therefore affirms ontological monism with representational stratification: ideas are materially instantiated, yet representationally distinct from what they describe. The dependency is asymmetric. Ideas depend on reality for their existence, materials, structure, and limits. Reality does not depend on being perceived, described, or understood. TST remains agnostic about the ultimate substrate of that reality.