Class (knowledge representation)

In knowledge representation, a class is a collection of individuals or individuals objects.[1] A class can be defined either by extension (specifying members), or by intension (specifying conditions), using what is called in some ontology languages like OWL. According to the type–token distinction, the ontology is divided into individuals, who are real worlds objects, or events, and types, or classes, who are sets of real world objects. Class expressions or definitions gives the properties that the individuals must fulfill to be members of the class. Individuals that fulfill the property are called Instances.

  1. ^ Diego Calvanese; Giuseppe De Giacomo; Maurizio Lenzerini (2002). Description Logics: Foundations for Class-based Knowledge Representation. Logic in Computer Science. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.177.2787.