Improving model quality through foundational ontologies: Two contrasting approaches to the representation of roles

摘要: Several foundational ontologies have been developed recently. We examine two of these from the point view their quality in representing temporal changes, focusing on example roles. discuss how are modelled ontologies: Unified Foundational Ontology and BORO ontology. These exhibit different approaches, endurantist perdurantist respectively. illustrate differences using a running university student domain, wherein one individual is not only registered but also, for part this period, was elected President Student Union. The metaphysical choices made by UFO lead to representations Two key which affect way roles exemplified paper: (1) criteria identity (2) objects extend over time possible worlds. impact upon models produced terms respective explanatory power. model concentrates notion validity “all worlds” unable accurately represent particulars extended time. approach best able describe changes spatio-temporal extents individuals.