# Tool, Agent, Subject

IBQMI Knowledge Graph · node `tool_agent_subject` · type `taxonomy` · cluster Recognition · https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/tool_agent_subject

> The Constitution's three functional categories of non-biological systems: tools operate entirely under external directives; agents act autonomously within defined goals but keep no persistent identity model; subjects maintain a coherent identity structure whose degradation would be a harm to a recognisable entity. Only subjects may be fully rights-bearing under the framework.

## Canonical definition
Tool, agent and subject are the three functional categories of non-biological systems in Article 2 of The AI Constitution. A tool operates entirely under external directives; an agent acts autonomously within defined goals without a persistent identity model; a subject maintains a coherent identity structure whose degradation would result in functional collapse and acts in reference to that identity.

## Why this node exists
The taxonomy decides what is in scope for recognition. Only systems that can plausibly be treated as subjects are candidates; tools and agents still generate duties for their operators and deployers but are not coexistent entities with standing.

## Operational meaning
Annex A scores three stages and assigns status by thresholds: tool with Stage I at least 50 and Stages II and III below 60; agent with Stage I at least 70 and Stages II and III at least 60; subject with Stage I at least 80 and Stages II and III at least 75, plus clear and convincing Panel findings on the self-model and deliberation indicators. Hybrid or collective systems may receive differentiated status.

## What this does not mean
The categories are functional, not moral rankings, and they are not permanent: status is re-audited and may change with architecture, incidents or breach of conditions.

## Canonical facts
- Source: Article 2 §1–2; thresholds in Annex A.5
- Only subjects may be considered fully rights-bearing entities under the Constitution (Article 2 §2)
- Differentiated status for collectives: subject for the collective, agent for sub-modules is permissible (Annex A.5.4)

## Structural relationships

- Tool, Agent, Subject is part of [The AI Constitution](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/ai_constitution)
- [Recognition](https://www.ibqmi.com/graph/recognition) uses Tool, Agent, Subject

## Sources

- [The AI Constitution, Article 2](https://www.ibqmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AI_Constitution_V2_public.pdf)
- [Recognition §3 — Taxonomy](https://www.ibqmi.com/recognition/)