In this paper, we challenge the vision of creating a giant knowledge graph of reusable research data from multiple projects and platforms, based on Semantic Web technologies and a shared conceptualisation in the form of a commonly used ontology ecosystem, promoted by the Semantic Data for Humanities and Social Sciences project (SDHSS). Three main issues are raised: the difficulty of proposing a cross-disciplinary ontology for humanities and social sciences given the different research agendas and constructivist approaches; the difficulty of interlinking (...) the objects present in the different information systems, due to different notions of identity; the challenge of dealing with uncertainty, inconsistencies and contradictions in information sources, when the aim is to produce ‘factual’ information. First, I propose an epistemological analysis of information, as distinct from data and knowledge, then I develop a conceptualisation of information in humanities and social sciences, based on the OntoClean methodology, and the foundational ontologies DOLCE and Descriptions and Situations, and show how it can ground a cross-disciplinary ontology ecosystem based on the CIDOC CRM and its SDHSS integration. Finally, I apply these principles to a detailed analysis of the information production process and show how the proposed conceptualisation provides possible solutions to the three challenges raised. (shrink)

This answer to an article published in one of the preceeding issue of GREGORIANUM 83 , 287-311, has a double aim. There is, on the one hand, need to restate clearly the precise sense of my interpretation of the condemnation of Galilee and of its magisterial value, by showing that the main thesis which has been attributed to me - that of an infallible character of the declaration of heresy contained in the abjuration of Galileo - is not found in (...) my writings. On the other hand, it must be shown that the objections put forward against my real theses have no historical foundation, due to an insufficient knowledge of the style of the Roman Holy Office on the part of the authors of the article mentioned. (shrink)