arXiv · 2512.12260
A Multi-Axial Mindset for Ontology Design Lessons from Wikidata's Polyhierarchical Structure
Abstract
Traditional ontology design emphasizes disjoint and exhaustive top-level distinctions such as continuant vs. occurrent, abstract vs. concrete, or type vs. instance. These distinctions are used to structure unified hierarchies where every entity is classified under a single upper-level category. Wikidata, by contrast, does not enforce a singular foundational taxonomy. Instead, it accommodates multiple classification axes simultaneously under the shared root class entity. This paper analyzes the structural implications of Wikidata's polyhierarchical and multi-axial design. The Wikidata architecture enables a scalable and modular approach to ontology construction, especially suited to collaborative and evolving knowledge graphs.
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Ege Atacan Doğan, Peter F. Patel-Schneider. 2025-12-13. A Multi-Axial Mindset for Ontology Design Lessons from Wikidata's Polyhierarchical Structure. https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.12260
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