ontology-buildinglisted

# Building a coherent ontology A domain-agnostic methodology for building ontologies, domain models, taxonomies, and knowledge graphs — independent of what you encode the result in (OWL, a property graph, a relational schema, typed code, a Palantir-style object model). It synthesizes several lineages that don't always agree, and says explicitly where they conflict and which one wins. Full source list and how the lineages are reconciled: [conflicts-and-precedence.md](references/conflicts-and-precedence.md). ## How to use this skill 1. Read this file for the core principles, operating modes, and process. 2. Pick your operating mode before running any steps. 3. Use the reference map to load the specific file for the step you're on — don't front-load all of them. 4. When two pieces of guidance seem to disagree, check [conflicts-and-precedence.md](references/conflicts-and-precedence.md) first — most apparent conflicts are already resolved there, not genuinely open. ## Reference map **Core loop — the seven-step process below runs through these:** | File | Load it when... | |---|---| | [competency-questions.md](references/competency-questions.md) | Scoping — eliciting/grading competency questions and peer schema requirements | | [reuse-and-alignment.md](references/reuse-and-alignment.md) | Deciding whether to adopt/map an external standard, vocabulary, or pattern | | [hierarchy-and-structure.md](references/hierarchy-and-structure.md) | Defining classes, hierarchy, or relations