Quarex JSON Schema v1.0

The official schema for validating Quarex artifacts

Overview

A Quarex is a dynamically generated, recursively structured knowledge artifact. This JSON Schema defines the structure of a single Quarex artifact — the "book" level of the knowledge hierarchy.

The schema does not define the taxonomy or navigation structure (library types, shelves, categories). Those are implementation-specific. This schema defines only what constitutes a valid Quarex artifact.

Schema URL

Reference this schema in your Quarex JSON files:

"$schema": "https://quarex.org/schema/v1"

Fields

Field	Type	Description
`name` REQUIRED	string	The title of the Quarex artifact
`chapters` REQUIRED	array	Ordered collection of chapters, each containing inquiry topics
`mode`	string	Reading mode: `"followup"` (default) for exploratory inquiry, or `"sequential"` for ordered consumption
`architect`	string	The originator of the Quarex — the constitutional author
`created`	string (date)	Date the Quarex was created (ISO 8601)
`version`	string	Version identifier for this Quarex
`license`	string	License under which this Quarex is published

Chapter Structure

Each chapter object requires:

Field	Type	Description
`name` REQUIRED	string	Chapter title
`topics` REQUIRED	array of strings	Inquiry topics — each serves as a generative engine for recursive exploration

Example: Exploratory Mode (default)

{
  "$schema": "https://quarex.org/schema/v1",
  "name": "African Philosophy — Henry Odera Oruka",
  "architect": "Pete and ChatGPT 5.1",
  "created": "2025-11-27",
  "chapters": [
    {
      "name": "Early Life",
      "topics": [
        "Birth and Cultural Roots in Colonial Kenya",
        "Oral Traditions as a First Classroom",
        "Witnessing Colonial Power and Indigenous Resistance"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "The Birth of Sage Philosophy",
      "topics": [
        "Challenging the Myth That Africa Had No Philosophy",
        "Identifying Indigenous Thinkers Outside Formal Academia",
        "Distinguishing Folk Wisdom From Critical Reflection"
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Example: Sequential Mode

For content designed to be consumed in order (stories, tutorials, courses):

{
  "$schema": "https://quarex.org/schema/v1",
  "name": "The Sleepy Star",
  "architect": "Pete and ChatGPT 5.1",
  "mode": "sequential",
  "chapters": [
    {
      "name": "The Star That Wouldn't Glow",
      "topics": [
        "What made the star feel tired?",
        "Who noticed the dim light first?",
        "What helped the star feel seen?"
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "The Moon's Visit",
      "topics": [
        "Why did the moon come close?",
        "What did the star share?"
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Full Schema

{
  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12/schema",
  "$id": "https://quarex.org/schema/v1",
  "title": "Quarex",
  "description": "A dynamically generated, recursively structured knowledge artifact that evolves through iterative inquiry.",
  "type": "object",
  "required": ["name", "chapters"],
  "properties": {
    "name": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "The title of the Quarex artifact"
    },
    "mode": {
      "type": "string",
      "enum": ["followup", "sequential"],
      "default": "followup",
      "description": "Reading mode: 'followup' for exploratory inquiry, 'sequential' for ordered consumption"
    },
    "architect": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "The originator of the Quarex — the constitutional author of the knowledge system"
    },
    "created": {
      "type": "string",
      "format": "date",
      "description": "Date the Quarex was created (ISO 8601)"
    },
    "version": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "Version identifier for this Quarex"
    },
    "license": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "License under which this Quarex is published"
    },
    "chapters": {
      "type": "array",
      "description": "Ordered collection of chapters, each containing inquiry topics",
      "minItems": 1,
      "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "required": ["name", "topics"],
        "properties": {
          "name": {
            "type": "string",
            "description": "Chapter title"
          },
          "topics": {
            "type": "array",
            "description": "Inquiry topics within this chapter — each serves as a generative engine for recursive exploration",
            "minItems": 1,
            "items": {
              "type": "string"
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}