# Two Approaches to the Identity of Processes in BFO

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.15689 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.15689/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 27 Nov 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [An ontological analysis of risk in Basic Formal Ontology](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.21171/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This paper aims to explore processes and their identity with a focus on the upper ontology Basic Formal Ontology (BFO). We begin with a classification based on two basic classes of changes of independent continuants: changes with respect to a single specifically dependent continuant thereof or with respect to the spatial region that its parts occupy. We accordingly distinguish two kinds of simple processes: specifically dependent continuant changes and spatial changes. Next, we investigate a compositional approach to the identity of processes: the identity of any process is determined by the identity of the simple processes that compose them. Then, we consider a causal approach to the identity of processes with recourse to a dispositional view of processes according to which any process is a realization of some disposition. We also examine assumptions on which these two approaches to the identity of processes are based.