[topicmapmail] Two Models of Facets

[Murray Altheim]

Peter P. Jones wrote:
> Just an idea...
> Assume for a moment a single property-value model across all things, 
> whether class or instance...
> Is the difference merely one of templating?
> For the class one might indicate that a property is template-able. 
> For an instance (a leaf on the end of branches) template-ability 
> makes no sense as long as it stays being an instance, so you can 
> ignore it until it becomes meaningful...?
> 
> A property-value assignment is template-able just in case it has a 
> placeholder 'something' in the value 'slot'. Any assignment whose 
> value is already fixed is not a template.

Peter,

You've thrown a word in that is pretty overloaded around here, so
I'd have to ask to have you clarify what you mean before I answer.
I don't really know what "template" means in this instance.

My first guess is that a single property-value model perhaps exists
across all classes, and that a *different* property-value model
exists for individuals (which we've been calling "instances", which
is not really correct). I assume you'd agree that characteristics of
a class are of a different order than characteristics of individuals?
That there is some inherent difference in both the thing being
related and the kind of relation? I think there is. E.g., there's a
difference between the abstract concept of "height" and the specific
height of an individual. The former can't be measured, the latter is
a measurement.

Murray

......................................................................
Murray Altheim                    http://kmi.open.ac.uk/people/murray/
Knowledge Media Institute
The Open University, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK7 6AA, UK               .

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