Glossary: the concepts of Ontology, Taxonomy and Classification

A Classification is the use of a taxonomy to classify things. So taxonomy, ontology, classification scheme .. are nouns while an act of Classifying is a verb involving some subject (such as wine) and the taxonomy.

Ontology:

An ontology is a knowledge representation system which presents the key concepts and relationships relevant to a body of knowledge. Ontologies represent a conceptual consensus of topics (concepts) and their related attributes within a community of interest (domain). They are based upon Formal Logic. Note, this is a theoretical construct which can be used to build classification systems.

Taxonomy:

A hierarchical arrangement of topics that imposes topical structure on information in a specific body of knowledge. A 'Taxonomy' concerns with judging which traits are most significant. If new evidence reveals a better basis for subdividing a taxonomy than that previously used, the 'classification' of the group in question may be revised.

Classification (system):

The process of dividing objects or concepts into logically hierarchical classes, subclasses, and sub-subclasses based on the characteristics (attributes) they have in common and those that distinguish them. Note, this is the model upon which individual taxonomies may be built.

     Related Links:
     www.oasis-open.org/home/index.php
     www.ontology.org