Empathy Systems Theory (EST)
Empathy Systems Theory is a developing research program. It proposes C-A-E-I infrastructure, a Functional Empathy Mechanism, Emotional Precision, CEOP, empathic misallocation, and happiness-monitoring hypotheses with distinct validation needs.
EST is not active HEART canon, a clinical or diagnostic framework, settled neuroscience, or a universally required Emotional Autonomy method. Current EST doctrine and evidence boundaries are maintained at Empathy Ethicist.
HEART may use relevant EST evidence only when a competent verification plan connects it to the exact requirement, population, context, method validity, uncertainty, and claim ceiling. See Emotional Autonomy Domain Profile.