The Description Logic Handbook: Theory, Implementation and Applications

by Franz Baader (Editor), Diego Calvanese, Deborah L. McGuinness

Description logics are embodied in several knowledge-based systems and are used to develop various real-life applications. Now in paperback, The Description Logic Handbook provides a thorough account of the subject, covering all aspects of research in this field, namely: theory, implementation, and applications. Its appeal will be broad, ranging from more theoretically oriented readers, to those with more practically oriented interests who need a sound and modern understanding of knowledge representation systems based on description logics. As well as general revision throughout the book, this new edition presents a new chapter on ontology languages for the semantic web, an area of great importance for the future development of the web. In sum, the book will serve as a unique resource for the subject, and can also be used for self-study or as a reference for knowledge representation and artificial intelligence courses.

Genres: Logic

622 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 1999

Reviews

[Alican Tüzün · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read chapters 1, 10, and 14 to gain a better understanding of OWL2, and this goal was largely achieved. Chapter 14, while outdated—focusing primarily on the first version of OWL—still provides valuable historical context.

That said, the book's sections are not particularly well-written and assume a strong background in logic. If you're new to logic or the semantic web, I wouldn't recommend this book. However, if you're looking to deepen your knowledge of OWL2, chapters 1 and 10 are worth a read.

[Opik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the complete reference to the description logic theory and exclusively written by the top-class researchers in the field of description logic theory.

Physical review:
The book itself has hardcover and uses unbleached paper. It contains 16 Chapters and an Appendix. Bibliography and Index are also included.

Content review:
Each chapter is written by various researchers, such as Baader, Patel-Schneider, Borgida, etc. The chapters are classified into three parts: Theory, Implementation and Application. Although it's carefully written, I often find it hard to understand the book. Therefore, this book is not intended to be used as a lecture book, but as a reference book. It provides, however, the comprehensive discussion about the basic theory of description logic. Furthermore, it also provides references to other papers, which further discuss special topics of the description logic theory in more details.

My personal review:
It is my faithful companion during my research. At the time I bought it, I was completely blank about description logic. Thus, I always had difficulties in understanding the basic theory of description logic. Nevertheless, I have so many sad/sweet memories with this book.

[TK Keanini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The deal is this: at some point, you need a foundation for your models. If your models have to do with information and nothing but information, then having a solid terminological foundation is required. Description Logic can offer you this in your models.

Most of you will touch on Description Logic because of OWL-DL but reading this book will show you why it is that OWL-DL has the vocabulary and functionality you have come to know.

The book is expensive and be sure to get the latest edition. I got the 2nd edition.

If you like set theory, you will like description logic.