The Basic Reference Model of ODP introduces a number of basic concepts
in order to provide a common basis for the development of a coherent
set of standards. To achieve this objective, a clear understanding of
the basic concepts is one prerequisite. This paper makes an effort at
clarifying some of the basic concepts independently of standardized or
non-standardized formal description techniques. Among the basic conce
pts considered here are: agent, action, interaction, interaction point
, architecture, behaviour, system, composition, refinement, and abstra
ction. In a case study, it is then shown how these basic concepts can
be represented in a formal specification written in temporal logic.