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Re: [ontolog-forum] Ontology vs OWL implementation

To: "[ontolog-forum] " <ontolog-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
From: "Barker, Sean (UK)" <Sean.Barker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 09:56:15 +0100
Message-id: <E18F7C3C090D5D40A854F1D080A84CA4E3528E@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>


This mail is publicly posted to a distribution list as part of a process of 
public discussion, any automatically generated statements to the contrary 
non-withstanding. It is the opinion of the author, and does not represent an 
official company view.    (01)


So, ontology is just data modelling with AI gubbins? So why bother?    (02)

If I might put a different argument, based on Aristotle (or, more exactly, 
based on my understanding of a modern understanding of Thomas Aquinas on 
Aristotle). If one talks about something's attributes (or properties, 
observables or what ever word game you like), one can divide them into those 
which are substantial and those which are accidental. Fido's dogginess is 
unchanged by his accidental attributes - his stance (standing, sitting), colour 
(brown, spotty) etc, however, dogginess does depend on his 'substantial' 
attributes, such as breathing, motion, etc (if not breathing, he would be an 
inanimate blob, if not able to move, he would be a plant (see De Anima)).    (03)

An ontology depends on substantial attributes to be able to classify the 
subject as being a "this" in the ontology. Fido breaths and moves so he his not 
a mineral or a plant. He has lungs and hair, so is a mammal (not an insect or a 
fish), etc.    (04)

A data model starts by assuming that we have already identified what it is we 
are talking about, and then goes on to collect the accidental attributes 
Dog[name="Fido", weight="10 Kg", etc].    (05)

This means the obligation on an ontology developer is to describe the 
classification procedure that is used to identify where things fit in the 
ontology, and particularly the attributes than need to be observed to classify 
it correctly. (In practice, "context" is used to select a tractable domain, 
such as Pizza). The data modeller should go on to describe all the other 
attributes that are germane to the problem. These need not be different people. 
It is merely a matter of disagreement whether a Hawaiian pizza is substantially 
different to a Four Seasons, or whether is just a matter of accidental 
ingredients.    (06)

My impression is that much of what is put into OWL is data modelling. 
Personally, if data modelling is the focus, I'd rather not do it in OWL, as the 
pictures are not that informative.    (07)

If I don't respond to the brickbats from the various ontology camps by 
tomorrow, don't hold your breath, since I'll be on holiday with people trying 
to hit me with real sticks (quarterstaff training). Its less stressful.    (08)

Sean Barker
BAE SYSTEMS - Advanced Technology Centre
Bristol, UK
+44(0) 117 302 8184    (09)

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Registered Office: Warwick House, PO Box 87, Farnborough Aerospace Centre, 
Farnborough, Hants, GU14 6YU, UK
Registered in England & Wales No: 1996687     (010)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ontolog-forum-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
> [mailto:ontolog-forum-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Pat Hayes
> Sent: 30 April 2008 23:09
> To: "Cati Martínez"
> Cc: ontolog-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [ontolog-forum] Ontology vs OWL implementation
> 
> 
>                *** WARNING ***
> 
> This mail has originated outside your organization, either 
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>      Keep this in mind if you answer this message. 
> 
> At 8:21 PM +0200 4/30/08, Cati Martínez wrote:
> >Hello,
> >
> >I'm new in the Ontology world, and maybe it has been already 
> discussed, 
> >I'm asking me the question if everything implemented in the OWL 
> >language can be considered an Ontology. I guess that it's 
> not so, but 
> >it is difficult for me to say when we can say that it is or not.
> 
> The term 'ontology' has no definition precise enough to 
> answer that question. Myself, I'd be inclined to say yes, 
> anything in OWL is an ontology. Certainly one would not 
> expect any OWL tool or engine to  start distinguishing 
> between 'real ontology OWL' and 'mere OWL'.
> 
> >
> >I'm modelling with OWL some information structure, so OWL is used to 
> >define the components and relations to these components that compose 
> >this concrete information structure.
> 
> Sounds like an ontology to me, on just about anyone's 
> definition. Why are you in doubt?
> 
> >Could it be considered an
> >Ontology, or only a set of constraints on a data structure?
> 
> It can be both. A set of constraints in the form of an 
> ontology. One cautionary note, however: to interpret OWL as a 
> constraint is likely going beyond the strict OWL spec. Which 
> is fine, I hasten to add, but it might get you into 
> unproductive debates about whether your use of OWL is a true 
> 'ontological' use of OWL, etc. 
> etc...
> 
> Pat Hayes
> 
> >
> >Thank you. Regards
> >
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