In APS, biological normativity does not originate from external rules, abstract ideals, social conventions, or imposed purposes.
Normativity emerges from the organisation of living systems themselves.
Because organisms must continuously maintain viability in changing conditions, some states, processes and outcomes contribute to persistence while others undermine it. This generates an internal distinction between what supports continued existence and what threatens breakdown or loss of viability.
Normativity therefore arises from the requirements of organised persistence.
Functions are normative because they contribute to viability. Malfunctions matter because they compromise continuity. Evaluation exists because living systems must continuously assess conditions relative to persistence.
APS therefore interprets biological normativity as endogenous: generated within the organisation of life itself rather than imposed from outside it.