Abstract
We introduce a basic ontology of functions and dispositions. The theory we suggest is compatible both with major philosophical theories of biological functions and with most top-level ontologies. The particular focus of the suggested formalism is on the inference of causal relationships from functionality and the explicit formalization of the normative character of functions using non-monotonic forms of knowledge representation.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 12th Annual Bio-Ontologies Meeting |
Publication status | Published - 01 Jun 2009 |