In philosophy, the term formal ontology is used to refer to an ontology defined by axioms in a formal language with the goal to provide an unbiased (domain- and application-independent) view on reality, which can help the modeler of domain- or application-specific ontologies (information science) to avoid possibly erroneous ontological assumptions encountered in modeling large-scale ontologies.
By maintaining an independent view on reality a formal (upper level) ontology gains the following properties:
- indefinite expandability:
- the ontology remains consistent with increasing content.
- content and context independence:
- any kind of 'concept' can find its place.
- accommodate different levels of granularity.
Theories on how to conceptualize reality date back as far as Plato and Aristotle.
Read more about Formal Ontology: Existing Formal Upper Level Ontologies (foundational Ontologies), Common Terms in Formal (upper-level) Ontologies, Formal Versus Nonformal
Famous quotes containing the word formal:
“This is no argument against teaching manners to the young. On the contrary, it is a fine old tradition that ought to be resurrected from its current mothballs and put to work...In fact, children are much more comfortable when they know the guide rules for handling the social amenities. It’s no more fun for a child to be introduced to a strange adult and have no idea what to say or do than it is for a grownup to go to a formal dinner and have no idea what fork to use.”
—Leontine Young (20th century)