Conceptual and semantic structures

摘要

It has been noted on a number of occasions that the knowledge-representation structures and processing functions provided by Sowa's theory of conceptual graphs is complementary with the semantic system developed by Ray Jackendoff. Jackendoff's system, incorporating Gruber's Thematic Relations Hypothesis (TRH), develops a principled ‘conceptual’ semantics and its integration with syntax. Also, as a byproduct, the TRH provides a motivation and foundations for a deep-knowledge-based knowledge-acquisition methodology.The paper addresses some of the consequences of the application of the TRH to the representation and dynamics of natural and role types, attributes and characteristics. It also deals with the representation of the existence of individuals and type labels in the knowledge base, and discusses additional, metaknowledge structures which support the temporal consistency of a concept with the rest of the knowledge base.