---
title: Proof Layer
slug: proof-layer
url: https://templeton.host/lexicon/proof-layer/
type: defined-term
inDefinedTermSet: https://templeton.host/lexicon
author: Andrew Templeton
---

# Proof Layer

## Definition

The verification rubric, asymmetry profile, and verification cost analysis built BEFORE the capability. Every AI system needs one. No exceptions.

## Why this term exists

Generation costs are collapsing and the bottleneck has moved to verification - knowing whether the output is correct. Build the rubric first. If you can't describe what "good" looks like before building, you won't recognize it after.

## See also

- [Knowledge Capital](https://templeton.host/frameworks/knowledge-capital)
- [Dollarized Confusion Matrix](https://templeton.host/tools/dollarized-confusion-matrix)
- [Gold Standard](https://templeton.host/lexicon/gold-standard)
- [Templeton Ratio](https://templeton.host/lexicon/templeton-ratio)

Canonical URL: https://templeton.host/lexicon/proof-layer/