Ask HN: Why isn't there a database of ontologies?

1 pointskakadu2y ago2 comments

A bank statement, a sales order an invoice and numerous other entities can be pretty much distilled into some sort of ontology.

I have bumped into some attempts but they seem pretty much abandoned.

Why hasn't something like this come to fruition?

2 comments

gregjor2y ago

For the examples you gave, any introductory accounting textbook will describe and explain the artifacts of commerce and bookkeeping.

I don't think anyone can answer the "why" question you ask. I would guess because no one thinks such a database would serve any useful purpose, compared to the more usual ways to learn about entities and relationships. Using "ontologies" in a sentence does seem cool, I admit.

eternityforest2y ago

What exactly is an ontology? Outside of academic philosophy, is it just a schema?

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