[sc34wg3] Topics and Subjects clarification

[Patrick Durusau]

Lars,

Not sure if the following will help with the topics vs. subjects debate 
but here is one suggestion:

Lars Marius Garshol wrote:

>* Bernard Vatant
>| 
>| I agree with definition of subject in ISO13250.
>| But not with reference to real-world in SAM, which is not employed
>| in 13250, [...]
>
>SAM contains the word "real" in one place: in the first informal
>paragraph of the introduction. If you want to criticize the SAM,
>please make sure you get it right.
>
>I'm not happy with the sentence that says topics are symbols
>representing real-world things, and would welcome suggestions for a
>better way to put it informally without being actively wrong.
>
The latest SAM draft says (in the first informal paragraph):

> Topic maps are organized around topics, which are symbols representing 
> real-world things, associations representing relationships between the 
> things, and occurrences, which connect the topic map to information 
> resources pertinent to the topics. 

Which I would re-word to read:

<revision>Topic maps are organized around topics, which are assertions 
about subjects, associations representing relationships between topics, 
and occurrences, which connect the topic map to information resources 
pertinent to the topics.</revision>

In other words, all statements about subjects are made via the mechanism 
of a topic. No topic, no subject. No topic, no assertions.

Further, in 3.4 Topic items, you say:

> *ssue (term-subject-def):*
>
> Should the standard say as little as possible about the nature of 
> subjects, or should it be more detailed in order to provide guidance 
> to readers? The current text is detailed, but may be too much so.
>
Should say almost nothing about subjects other than they are represented 
in a topic map by topics.  This is the topic map standard and not the 
"true world view epistemology standard."

Patrick

-- 
Patrick Durusau
Director of Research and Development
Society of Biblical Literature
pdurusau@emory.edu