Re: definition of derivation?

I prefer Simon's formulation.  A concern I had with the previous form was its 
dependence on a temporal element.  That temporal dependence may be a 
consequence, but I don't think it should be part of the definition.

#g
--


Simon Miles wrote:
> Paul, Luc,
> 
> I'm OK with the definition, but I think it could be simplified and
> clarified a little, and suggest:
> 
> Derivation represents how stuff is transformed from or affected by
> other stuff. A thing B is derived from a thing A if the values of some
> invariant properties of B are at least partially determined by the
> values of some invariant properties of A.
> 
> The reasons for this proposed revision:
> 
> 1. "A was used (and therefore created) before B was created" means the
> definition of "derivation" is based on those for "use" and
> "generation". This property seems, in practice, necessitated by B
> having been determined by A anyway.
> 
> 2. The first sentence mixes plural with singular, so it is unclear how
> many things a derivation relates.
> 
> 3. The "in the real world" caveat seems unnecessary if "things" are
> defined to be explicitly about the real world. Moreover, if we decide
> to revise the definition of "thing" to cover more than the real world,
> then derivation would also have to be revised.
> 
> Thanks,
> Simon
> 
> On 20 June 2011 21:07, Paul Groth <pgroth@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Hi All,
>>
>> What do people think of Luc's definition of derivation:
>>
>> - http://www.w3.org/2011/prov
>> /wiki/ConceptDerivation#Definition_by_Luc_.28in_terms_of_properties.29
>> Things represent stuff in the real-world.
>>
>> Definition of Derivation. A derivation represents how stuffs are
>> transformed or affect each other in the real world.
>>
>> A thing B is derived from a thing A if:
>>
>> A was used (and therefore created) before B was created
>> The values of some invariant properties of B are partially determined by
>> the values of some invariant properties of A
>>
>> James you seemed to suggest another way to define derivation or not
>> define it all? Can you be more specific?
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Paul
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________________
>> This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
>> For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
>> ______________________________________________________________________
>>
> 
> 
> 

Received on Tuesday, 21 June 2011 17:08:02 UTC