A Formal Ontology of Properties (Preliminary Version)

A common problem of ontologies is that their taxonomic structure is often poor and confusing. This is typically exemplified by the unrestrained use of subsumption to accomplish a variety of tasks. In this paper we show how a formal ontology of unary properties can help using the subsumption relation in a disciplined way. This formal ontology is based on some meta-properties built around the fundamental philosophical notions of identity, unity, rigidity, and dependence. These meta-properties impose some constraints on the subsumption relation that clarify many misconceptions about taxonomies. We discuss these misconceptions by means of real examples, and show how our analysis can bring true order to taxonomies, facilitating their understanding, comparison and integration. This is a first step towards a general methodology for ontology-driven conceptual analysis which combines the established tradition of formal ontology in Philosophy with the needs of information systems design.