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Re: SUO: RE: CYC event vs. SUMO Process -- really different?




Erik,
   I agree with you that a vote at some time after reasonable
discussion will be necessary when no unanimity is evident.
That is how I suggest we proceed with this thread I have
started.  I also encourage others to start alternative
threads if they feel that a different methodology or
different starting point is better. I will try to
participate in as many working threads as physically
possible.  I think that multiple threads can be
useful.

     Pat

=============
Erik Larson wrote:
> Pat,
> On point 2. below Guarino has noted (sorry I don't have the reference 
> handy) that there isn't any consensus in the existing foundational 
> ontologies (SUMO, OpenCyc, DOLCE, etc.)  There are basic philosophical 
> differences (e.g., between scientific-engineering definitions and 
> cognitive or "common sense" ones) that divide foundational ontologies on 
> important terms such as "Event" from the outset.  So there isn't likely 
> to be a consensus as long as the members of the group don't share a 
> common set of philosophical assumptions.  Point blank.  (If you are 
> tempted to disagree, have a look at the last couple years of discussions 
> on this list.)
>  
> What I suggest is that the group forces a vote on important definitions, 
> such as that of "Event."  Otherwise, discussion can and will continue 
> endlessly.  Bringing the matter to a vote will involve the members of 
> the group in a process that moves forward and that reflects the ideas of 
> the majority.
>  
> If there's something wrong with THAT suggestion, and given that harping 
> on pet theories based on philosophical biases (themselves codified, in 
> many cases, by business interest or personal stake) isn't working, then 
> I'm stumped.
>  
> Erik
> 
> Patrick Cassidy <pcassidy@bellatlantic.net> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>     2. I suggest that we try to find some degree of
>     consensus on what would constitute an "Event" in a
>     merged ontology, since events (or the 4-D correlate
>     "activity") are central to all ontologies dealing
>     with real-world problems. If agreement can be found
>     on that class, the discussion can be expanded to
>     related classes.
>     3. If a different process for building such a merged
>     ontology appears preferable to any of the participants,
>     I hope they will make a suggestion for the alternative.
> 
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-- 
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Patrick Cassidy

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