[Modeling] Class Diagram Specification

[f.tolman]

AgentClass seems to be what I expect.

Frits


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James Odell" <email@jamesodell.com>
To: "ModelingTC" <modeling@fipa.org>
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 4:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Modeling] Class Diagram Specification


> OK, point taken. So far, the tally is as follows:
>
> --Caste - 1 vote
> --Agent Class or Agent Type - 3 votes
> --"The term agent class is 'misfortune'" - 1 vote
>
> Anyone else want to vote?
>
>
> -Jim
>
>
> On 6/13/03 9:56 AM, "Dr. Hong Zhu" indited:
>
> > Jim,
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "James Odell" <email@jamesodell.com>
> > To: "Dr. Hong Zhu" <hzhu@brookes.ac.uk>
> > Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 1:42 PM
> > Subject: Re: [Modeling] Class Diagram Specification
> >
> >
> >> Hong,
> >>
> >> First, the OED II definition of "class" reads as follows: "A number of
> >> individuals (persons or things) possessing common attributes, and
grouped
> >> together under a general or 'class' name; a kind, sort, division. (Now
the
> >> leading sense.)"  How is this "by no means better than caste"?  And why
do
> >> you assert that this definition has "nothing to do with the meaning in
> >> programming and computing"?  To me, it seems to have a great deal to do
> > with
> >> the meaning in programming and computing.
> >
> > The dictionary that I have used is Longman Disctionary of Comtemporary
> > English. It defines class as follows: (it is the whole list and in its
> > original order as in the dictionary).
> > 1, a social group whose members have the same political, social, and
> > economical position and rank.
> > 2. the system of dividing society into groups with different social and
> > political positions.
> > 3. a group of pupils or students who are taught together.
> > 4. a period of time during which pupils or students are taght.
> > 5. a division of people or things according to their quality, level of
> > performance, etc.
> > 6. a division of animals or plants below a phylum and above an order
> > 7. a stylish quality, e.g. in clothes or social behaviour, that attracts
> > admiration.
> > I don't think any of the above meanings given in the dictionary is what
we
> > used exactly as in OO paradigm. Nothing mentioned that objects are
instances
> > of classes. Nothing is mentioned about inheritance relationship, etc.
These
> > are also not mentioned in Oxford English Dictionary (Edition II) (is
that
> > OED II?). I think it is appropriate to adapt words like this to give
them
> > technical meanings in a technical domain, such as class in computing.
What I
> > am saying is that the original meaning of the word 'caste' can also be
> > adapted, changed, and assigned with specific technical semantics in a
> > particular domain.
> >
> >
> >>
> >> Second, why do you require that we choose "other alternatives apart
from
> >> agent class and agent type," when several people on this mailing list
have
> >> already said that they prefer these terms?  As for me, agent class and
> > agent
> >> type work for me.
> >>
> >
> > There is also a person in this mailing list expressed that the term
agent
> > class is "misfortune". You also asked that "Second, will that extension
be
> > call AgentClass or something else?" I appreciate that you asked this
> > question, and I think it is important for more people to give their
opinions
> > on this. I just expressed my opinion and asking for if there is any
other
> > opinions or alternatives if you are unhappy with the word caste. It is
fine
> > if you think the phrase 'agent class' is OK.
> >
> > Hong
> >
> >>
> >> -Jim
> >>
> >>
> >> On 6/13/03 5:07 AM, "Dr. Hong Zhu" indited:
> >>
> >>> Dear, Jim, and Gerd, and All,
> >>>
> >>> I don't think that the existing meaning of a term should prevent us to
> > adapt
> >>> it to a technology terminology. Look at the word class as defined in a
> >>> dictionary. It is by no means better than caste. The meaning of the
word
> >>> class in dictionary has nothing to do with the meaning in programming
> > and
> >>> computing. Even the word agent is not in its dictionary meaning.
> >>>
> >>> Having said so, the word caste does have some indications to the very
> >>> important features of agents, such as something to do with active
> > entities,
> >>> society of agents, groups of agent with same roles and behaviour, etc.
> >>>
> >>> Finally, may I ask if you have any suggestions of other alternatives a
> > part
> >>> from agent class and agent type?
> >>>
> >>> Best regards,
> >>> Hong
> >>
> >>
> >
>
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