Semantic Determinism via PromptSpec (Canonical Semantic Contract)

To address ambiguity at the definition layer, Cournot introduces PromptSpec, a canonical semantic contract that deterministically specifies what is being resolved.

PromptSpec is a structured, machine-readable definition that encodes:

• the precise question being evaluated,

• the scope and boundaries of acceptable interpretations,

• the verdict schema and outcome space,

• and the logical constraints governing resolution.

Rather than relying on free-form prompts or implicit assumptions, PromptSpec ensures that resolution semantics are explicit, repeatable, and inspectable. This significantly reduces ambiguity, lowers dispute rates, and improves AI reasoning reliability by narrowing the interpretive surface area.

PromptSpec can be authored and aligned off-chain,by market creators, protocol designers, or counterparties and then cryptographically committed onchain prior to resolution. Once committed, all resolution processes are bound to the same semantic definition, ensuring consistency across executions and verifications.

By separating semantic definition from execution, Cournot enables deterministic resolution logic without sacrificing flexibility in market design.