Conceptual database design: equivalence relations

Locuratolo E. I.

Conceptual/Logical Class  Specialized Conceptual Class  Is-aC Relationship  Conceptual Graph  Specialized  Logical Class  Is-aL Relationship  Logical Graph  Database Correctness  Database Completeness  Class/Concept  completeness  Class/Concept Analysis  Class/Concept Space 

New approaches of conceptual database design, having equivalence relations as fundamental aspects of their definitions, are introduced. Database models, model transformations, algorithms and languages are transported from databases at the boundary between concept theory and databases. A distinction is made between theory and applications. Structures for the analysis of database class/concepts, have been chosen as reference points of the class/concept space. Outside these points, other structures, can dynamically be generated. Conceptual/logical measures of quality, distinguished from numerical measures, allow to evaluate the introduced approaches. Discussions about the chosen reference points, the role of mathematics in this choice, and the value of both computer science and languages in our society are provided.