John,
You call any drawing, from geometric to engineering, a diagram. Why?
Alex
Alex,Just look at Euclid: Every definition, theorem, and proof includes a diagram.In fact, look at the blackboard or whiteboard of any teacher of any branch of science: It's covered with diagrams. The algebraic notation is a convenient way to summarize the results, but every step of algebra has an associated operation on a diagram. For dimensions beyond 2, the diagrams become harder to draw, but the best mathematicians and scientists use their imaginations to "visualize" 2D or 3D projections.Summary: Science without diagrams is blind.John
On Dec 9, 2025, at 11:46 AM, John F Sowa <so...@bestweb.net> wrote:
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John,
INTRODUCTION
First of all let me introduce an absolutely funny situation. [1]
So, my question was rhetorical. Anyway thank you for your answer.
MAIN TEXT
Regarding the diagrams themselves, a person can only work with a diagram by materializing it. That is, although at its core, according to its description, a diagram is a geometric object defined with precision down to proportionality and mirror image, a person can only work with it by placing it in reality and engaging their fantastic ability to think about observable surfaces and lines.
A most interesting topic!
Alex
[1]
This is my letter as I sent it to you, Janet and Ravi:
This is my letter as you received it:
Alex,There is a huge difference between a diagram and a picture.A diagram has a discrete set of lines, areas, and structures in two or more dimensions. Euclid is an excellent example. But modern mathematics, science, engineering, and architecture follow the same principles and guidelines as Euclid. Every diagram can be precisely specified in a linear notation that can be exactly translated to and from bit strings in a digital computer.A picture is the result of some attempt to represent some aspect of reality (whatever that may be). A mechanical representation (photograph or sound recording) is usually more precise than a human drawing, painting, sculpture, or other imitation.The lines drawn by humans aren't as precise as the lines drawn by a machine. But both of them are approximations of the same features and relations. Since a diagram has discrete features, the approximations are irrelevant -- provided that they specify the same formal features.Relevance to ontology: Every formal ontology can be translated to and from some kind of diagram. It is therefore limited to the same kinds of approximations as a diagram.An informal ontology may be represented by a picture. That implies that it can be more accurate than a formal ontology for some aspects of reality. But no picture is ever sufficiently precise and detailed that it can represent the full content of all things and relations in any part of reality.Summary: There is no such thing as a perfect ontology of everything -- or even a perfect ontology of some limited aspect of reality at every level of detail. Every ontology is always a work in progress. There will always be some aspects of reality that will require future revisions and extensions.Just look at the periodic updates to your computer systems. It's impossible for any printed version to be a perfect representation of all or even any version. The same issues are true of any ontology of those systems.JohnFrom: "Alex Shkotin" <alex.s...@gmail.com>
Sent: 12/9/25 3:21 AMJohn,
You call any drawing, from geometric to engineering, a diagram. Why?
Alex
пн, 8 дек. 2025 г. в 21:29, John F Sowa <so...@bestweb.net>:Alex,Just look at Euclid: Every definition, theorem, and proof includes a diagram.In fact, look at the blackboard or whiteboard of any teacher of any branch of science: It's covered with diagrams. The algebraic notation is a convenient way to summarize the results, but every step of algebra has an associated operation on a diagram. For dimensions beyond 2, the diagrams become harder to draw, but the best mathematicians and scientists use their imaginations to "visualize" 2D or 3D projections.Summary: Science without diagrams is blind.John
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John,
That's right! These are also interesting topics. "but they are about totally different subjects" and don't touch on the fact that
A diagram is a material object that helps us think.
Alex
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Hello all.
I find that TOGAF | www.opengroup.org provides a simple-to-understand, elegant comparison on how we can visualise content. (@John, you may also remember a precursor to this distinction when you worked with John Zachman regarding what became Enterprise Architecture in the 1990s.) See below (NB: The content below was Gen AI-generated, which I checked but didn’t edit, as it conveys the general message.)
Regards,
Simon
In TOGAF 10, catalogs, matrices, and diagrams are three distinct but complementary artifact types that capture architectural information with varying degrees of organization and visualization, tailored to different stakeholder needs.
1. Catalogs
2. Matrices
3. Diagrams
Summary Table
|
Artifact Type |
Primary Function |
Structure |
Typical Use |
|
Catalog |
List building blocks |
Linear or hierarchical list with metadata |
Reference, governance, querying, completeness checks |
|
Matrix |
Show relationships |
2D table (rows & columns correspond to entity types) |
Analyze dependencies, traceability, relationships |
|
Diagram |
Visualize entities and connections |
Graphical layout of nodes & edges |
Communicate to stakeholders, interpret flows, validate architecture |
Key Insight: TOGAF 10 positions catalogs, matrices, and diagrams as complementary artifacts. Catalogs capture "what exists," matrices capture "how things relate," and diagrams show "how elements connect visually," supporting a layered understanding of enterprise architecture.
References: Sources .
Source(s):
1. https://togaf.visual-paradigm.com/2023/10/10/navigating-the-architectural-landscape-unveiling-togafs-building-blocks-catalogs-matrices-and-diagrams/
2. https://coe.qualiware.com/resources/togaf/togaf-artifacts/
3. https://www.archimetric.com/comprehensive-guide-to-togaf-10/
4. https://togaf.visual-paradigm.com/2025/02/18/comprehensive-guide-to-the-modular-structure-of-togaf-10/
Hello Simon,
It's important to me to note that a diagram, being a geometric object, has a clear definition in geometry which can be formalized properly. But for a person to be able to work with it, it must be materialized.
So for me Structure is not just "Graphical layout of nodes & edges" but "Some geometrical definition".
Alex
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Hi Alex.
Agreed. My message was initially in the TOGAF context, but it can extend to address your remark. My initial purpose was to distinguish between a Catalog (a list), a Matrix (a 2D table), and a Diagram, and which one to choose for which purpose. TOGAF offers this clarity.
Thanks,
Simon
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Potomac, MD
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Summary Table
Artifact Type | Primary Function | Structure | Typical Use |
Catalog | List building blocks | Linear or hierarchical list with metadata | Reference, governance, querying, completeness checks |
Matrix | Show relationships | 2D table (rows & columns correspond to entity types) | Analyze dependencies, traceability, relationships |
Diagram | Visualize entities and connections | Graphical layout of nodes & edges | Communicate to stakeholders, interpret flows, validate architecture |
Gary,
To say frankly I do not understand yours
"Isn't that (structure) an instance of a (defined/understood) concept versus a concept?
And that seems on the face of it to be 2points of the triangle meaning with the 3rd being the use of a term for the concept in the instance.
"
And if we are talking about the meaning of term "structure" usage in this particular table, then it's a good example of verbalization for me.
When we get sentences represented in the form of a table.
So we have
"A structure of a catalog is a linear or hierarchical list with metadata."
"A structure of a Matrix is a 2D table (rows & columns correspond to entity types)."
"A structure of a diagram is a graphical layout of nodes & edges."
I think the relationship "X is a structure of Y" points that one type of math object X (list, 2D table, graph(!)) is a base for another type of math objects Y (catalog, matrix, diagram) being more structured, specifically attributed and so on.
We may say that Y is somehow created from X. One type from another.
But we should ask Simon to verify.
In this case if you are talking about that term for example catalog has in its definition term list, I am with you.
Alex
Hi all.
In the 2. TOGAF Content Framework and Enterprise Metamodel : TOGAF® Standard — Architecture Content (which I’ve attached in case you don’t want to go through the site’s free registration process), it illustrates how a diagram (in this case, the TOGAF metamodel) can also be depicted as a catalog (list) as you scroll down the page. Hence, how a catalog in this example can be better expressed in a diagram, and the catalog in this case remains useful as it explains the diagram.
At MetroMap (which comes from The SAP Enterprise Architecture Framework derived from TOGAF), you can view some other catalog/map/diagram examples (NB a Map is another name for Matrix). Some of these artifacts look as if they overlap (e.g., is it mainly a catalog or a map?)
Remember, my context is Enterprise Architecture (EA), hence the reference to “graphical layout of nodes & edges”. If you go to, for example, D3 by Observable | The JavaScript library for bespoke data visualization, you’ll get a sense of possible infographic structures. There are many more infographic sites.
For me, almost all diagrams are, under the hood, a “graphical layout of nodes & edges”, but that could reflect my EA focus, so I’m not hard-and-fast about it, and other geometric forms are possible.
Indeed, on another dimension, some diagrams are maps, e.g., Google Maps, alongside more abstract versions such as the London Underground map.
TOGAF offers a simple definition between catalogs (lists), matrices (maps) and diagrams, to support the best way to represent some given content, and the relationships between these three artifact types. It provides the guidance that EA practitioners need (and possibly others could use, too).
Regards,
Simon
From: ontolo...@googlegroups.com <ontolo...@googlegroups.com>
On Behalf Of Alex Shkotin
Sent: 12 December 2025 09:23
To: ontolo...@googlegroups.com
Cc: CG <c...@lists.iccs-conference.org>
Subject: Re: [ontolog-forum] Diagrams, Images, pictures, and representations
Gary,
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Hi again.
I received a bounce from the CG list, as it didn’t like the attachment without moderator approval. Here’s my message without the attachment (in case you have issues, too), but you’d have to open the first link.
Regards,
Simon
"A structure of a catalog is a linear or hierarchical list with metadata."
"A structure of a Matrix is a 2D table (rows & columns correspond to entity types)."
"A structure of a diagram is a graphical layout of nodes & edges."
Hi Simon,
What constitutes a diagram depends on the specific technology in which they are used. And the corresponding definitions are provided there.
For example, in your first letter there is a
"Definition: Diagrams are graphical representations of building blocks and their relationships within the architecture."
And I'm sure the documentation you linked to has a whole system of definitions for all classes of diagrams used.
I just wanted to emphasize two facts:
a diagram is a material object,
it is necessary to clearly specify the mathematical object that underlies the diagram.
Moreover, in your case, and in most cases, this mathematical object is a directed graph.
But JFS also calls labeled geometric drawings diagrams.
And as I already wrote: why not?
By the way, we discussed a little about the use of undirected graphs here.
Alex
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John,
There are no notations in the world of mathematical objects. We introduce them, add them to define, describe, understand, and collectively discuss certain mathematical objects.
When someone tells me, "Imagine an isosceles triangle, but not an equilateral triangle," I might draw something in my mind. But there definitely won't be any letters or other notations.
If you also call some mathematical objects diagrams, I'll write again: why not.
For example, in category theory, there are commutative diagrams. They define what a diagram is and what it means for a diagram to be commutative.
A geometric object has no notations, but a diagram without notations loses its value to the point that even its author wouldn't recognize it.
Consider any geometric figure [1] or a finite system of geometric figures arranged in some way that don't intersect. Precisely because there are no notations on them or their parts, we have to develop a whole non-trivial naming technique.
Alex
[1] framework
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