Exploring, Reasoning with and Validating Directed Graphs by Applying Formal Concept Analysis to Conceptual Graphs

Although tools exist to aid practitioners in the construction of directed graphs typified by Conceptual Graphs (CGs), it is still quite possible for them to draw the wrong model, mistakenly or otherwise. In larger or more complex CGs it is furthermore often difficult–without close inspection–to see clearly the key features of the model. This paper thereby presents a formal method, based on the exploitation of CGs as directed graphs and the application of Formal Concept Analysis (FCA). FCA elucidates key features of CGs such as pathways and dependencies, inputs and outputs, cycles, and joins. The practitioner is consequently empowered in exploring, reasoning with and validating their real-world models.