On the practical modeling of conceptual overlap among multiple facets in ontology domain concepts (Mini-thesis)

Description/Abstract

This report presents a study on the practical modelling of the conceptual overlap that might exist among the multiple facets that define a particular ontology domain concept. The notions of conceptual overlap and facet are defined, together with their relation to scenarios of multiple inheritance in ontology models. Starting from the notion of a value partition, a terminology of ontology modelling constructs is introduced that allows the characterization of two types of conceptual overlap with respect to the domain concept being examined: internal and external. These considerations make explicit some of the implicit modelling decisions taken previously in the field of ontology modelling. It also puts forward, a methodology to address this problem in a structured manner comprised of a series of steps which include a specific entry and exit criterion. The contribution of this research is proven with the modelling of the conceptual overlap in the “Fault” ontology domain concept that is part of the ReSIST project