Abstract
In scientific communication, we usually resort to formal theories – like algebra or first-order logic – to express our thoughts and intuitions in such a way they can be understood by our colleagues. I will argue that the tools of formal ontology (such as the notions of parthood, unity, dependence, identity) can play a similar role in ordinary communication, for instance during e-commerce transactions. I will briefly present what these tools are, and I will give examples concerning their role in facilitating mutual agreement, as well as recognizing and explaining disagreement.
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© 2004 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Guarino, N. (2004). Helping People (and Machines) Understanding Each Other: The Role of Formal Ontology. In: Meersman, R., Tari, Z. (eds) On the Move to Meaningful Internet Systems 2004: CoopIS, DOA, and ODBASE. OTM 2004. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 3290. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-30468-5_38
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-30468-5_38
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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