The Science and Art of Conceptual Modelling

Conceptual modelling is one of the central activities in Computer Science. Conceptual models are mainly used as intermediate artifact for system construction. They are schematic descriptions of a system, a theory, or a phenomenon of an origin thus forming a model. A conceptual model is a model enhanced by concepts. The process of conceptual modelling is ruled by the purpose of modelling and the models. It is based on a number of modelling acts, on a number of correctness conditions, on modelling principles and postulates, and on paradigms of the background or substance theories. Purposes determine the (surplus) value of a model. Conceptual modelling is performed by a modeller that directs the process based on his/her experience, education, understanding, intention and attitude. Conceptual models are products that are used by other stakeholders such as programmers, learners, business users, and evaluators. Conceptual models use a language as a carrier for the modelling artifact and are restricted by the expressiveness of this carrier.

This paper aims at a discussion of a general theory of

modelling as a culture and an art

. A general theory of modelling also considers modelling

as an apprenticeship

and

as a technology

. It is thus an

art

. Modelling is on of the main elements of Computer Science

culture

that consists of commonly accepted behaviour patterns, arts, consensus, institutions, and all other supporting means and thoughts.