Re: [ontology-summit] Ontology Framework Draft Statement for the Ontolog

[Charles D Turnitsa <CTurnits@xxxxxxx>]

John,

 Yes, it works very well for me when a conversational (i.e. - something informal) definition is all I need - such as when doing a motivational presentation or introducing the idea of ontology to a new audience.  But I agree that it certainly won't do as a formal definition.

 For the record, I do like the definition from Merriam-Webster that was quoted earlier.  As a community, it seems as if it would  be better to come up with our own definition, but only if we can improve on what is already out there.

Chuck

Charles Turnitsa
Project Scientist
Virginia Modeling, Analysis & Simulation Center
Old Dominion University Research Foundation
(757) 638-6315 (voice)
cturnits@xxxxxxx

-----ontology-summit-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote: -----

To: Ontology Summit 2007 Forum <ontology-summit@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
From: "John F. Sowa" <sowa@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent by: ontology-summit-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: 23/04/2007 09:39PM
Subject: Re: [ontology-summit] Ontology Framework Draft Statement for the Ontology Summit

Chuck,

That is a good way of looking at an ontology:

CW> "an artifact that represents some part of the world".

And there are many other good ways, which may provide some
stimulating ideas.  But that doesn't make them good definitions.

For example, I like the following summary of evolution:

    "A random number generator with a filter."

The random number generator makes arbitrary changes to the DNA,
and the filter is death, or at least the failure to produce
progeny.

That is a very useful insight that can suggest some good
simulations, such as genetic algorithms.  It can also clarify
the disputes between the intelligent designers and the scientists:

 1. The scientists prefer to assume a purely random generator
    unless the evidence clearly points to some bias.

 2. Intelligent-designers prefer to assume that God biases
    the generator.

In either case, more detail would be needed to make those
one-line insights into suitable definitions.

John


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