RE: Proposal to add foaf:Agent to "Allowable Types" for earl:TestSubject

Hi,

> > TestSubjects are ALWAYS passive roles --> can't be Agents
> 
> Maybe I am misunderstanding the description of foaf:Agent. My 
> understanding is that it is a class of things that "do 
> something". This includes software or hardware that acts on 
> behalf of a user.
> 
> However, this "thing that does something" does not have to be 
> doing anything when it is being tested. It is just a thing. A 
> super class of software, hardware, and user agents. right?

Thus, if something (Agent) isn't going to do anything it is better defined as just something (e.g. whatever:Thing) instead of as foaf:Agent.

> > Software can be TestSubject (passive --> not an Agent) or Assertor 
> > (active --> an agent)
> 
> "Software" is seen to be a subclass of foaf:Agent (though 
> FOAF does not provide any such class for software). This 
> means that "Software" is always as active/passive as 
> foaf:Agent can be. It is also a thing that does something, it 
> is only a more specific "thing". I don't see your point.

For example:

- We have Persons (more general, as Things are) and Doctors (more specific, as Agents are)
- All Doctors are just Persons with specific knowledge (simillary all Agents are just Things that does something)
- When Doctors are at work they act as Doctors and when they're at home they just act as Persons (As you said pointed, Things that does something doesn't need to be doing that all the time)
- If I have a heart attack I need specific Persons (Doctors). It make sense to ask for a Doctor and not just for Persons. (simillary if I need Things that does something it make sense to ask for an Agent and not just for Things)
- If I just want a Person to chat with, apparently it doesn't make sense if I look for Doctors, because I can chat with whatever Person not just with Doctors (and simillary again, if I just need Things to be tested apparently it doesn't make sense if I ask for Agents because I could test whatever Thing, Agents included of course)

Anyway, forget all the above. It's probably just my mental insanity! ;o)
Regards,

CI.

 
--------------------------------------

Carlos Iglesias

Fundación CTIC
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teléfono: +34 984291212
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email: carlos.iglesias@fundacionctic.org
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Received on Wednesday, 28 June 2006 10:28:09 UTC