Continuant

Definition: An entity that persists through time while maintaining its identity.

Parent: BFO Entity

See also: Occurrent (entities that happen in time)

Modeling Notes

• Continuants exist at temporal instants and persist through temporal intervals
• They can change their qualities while maintaining identity
• Include both independent entities (materials) and dependent entities (qualities, roles)
• Form the foundation for modeling persistent entities in AI systems
• Essential for representing agents, systems, and their capabilities

BFO Slim - Core Subcategories

Material Entities (WHAT/WHO)

• Material Entity - Independent continuants
  • Object - Discrete material entities
  • Fiat Object Part - Conceptually bounded parts
  • Site - Spatial locations

Qualities (HOW-IT-IS)

• Quality - Characteristics and attributes

Realizable Entities (WHY-POTENTIAL)

• Role - Context-dependent capabilities
• Disposition - Intrinsic tendencies
• Function - Designed purposes

Information Entities (HOW-WE-KNOW)

• Generically Dependent Continuant - Information structures