Lev Goukassian

Lev Goukassian is the creator of Ternary Moral Logic (TML), a universal framework for embedding ethical hesitation into AI systems. A former engineer turned philosopher of computation, Lev has dedicated his final years to building what he calls “the Sacred Pause”, a decision state between yes and no, designed to prevent machine hallucinations, reduce harmful outputs, and make AI truly auditable. Through his open-source projects, including the TML GitHub repo and the Sacred Pause App, Lev has introduced a system where machines not only act and refuse, but also learn to wait, log, and reflect. His work has influenced experimental implementations across multiple AI platforms and is positioning itself as a foundation for trustworthy, post-binary computing. Beyond code, Lev is committed to legacy: he established the Lev Goukassian Memorial Fund, ensuring that TML contributions support victims of algorithmic harm and fund future research into ethical AI. His story blends resilience, innova