Step four: finalize the target terms
Starting point: reaching broader categories
- Check if the hierarchical relationships established so far are consistent and aligned with the IsA relationship. Any narrower term must be a specific case of the broader term and able to inherit all its characteristics.
The hierarchical division of the broader terms must present a necessary connection between the narrower and broader terms.
It is important to have in mind that levels of hierarchies are never absolute and complete. Even Facets may have generalizations!
- Finalize the definitions of the target terms by means of recapitulation of the intensional (and eventually potential) properties and connections between the terms within a hierarchical structure that presupposes concrete functional restrictions already defined (see: step one).
What if: the starting point is an existing vocabulary that we want to enrich or to expand in other fields of application?
We follow exactly the same procedure as described in step 4 in order to finalize the target terms.
Expected results
An “open world” classification!
If we follow the methodological guidelines mentioned above we end up with a classification system that does not divide the world in closed spheres of meanings according to specific characteristics, but brings to light hidden connections between the terms and establishes concept relationships!
Step four example
- Check if the hierarchical relationships established so far are consistent and aligned with the IsA relationship. Any narrower term must be a specific case of the broader term and able to inherit all its characteristics.
E.g.: the broader category under which the term “mobile objects” can be subsumed, as revealed by its intensional properties, is that of “material objects”, since any mobile object must be a material object.
