Ontological: meaning, definitions and examples
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ontological
[ɒnˈtɒlədʒɪkəl ]
Definition
philosophical usage
Ontological refers to the branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relationships of being. It is a fundamental aspect of philosophy that deals with concepts of existence and reality, examining what it means to be. Ontological questions inquire about the categories of being and their relationships. This includes discussions about various entities, their properties, and how they relate to each other in the broader context of existence.
Synonyms
existential, metaphysical, philosophical.
Examples of usage
- The ontological debate centers on the nature of existence.
- Philosophers often engage in ontological discussions.
- His thesis focused on ontological implications of identity.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Greek word 'ontologia', where 'ont' means 'being' and 'logia' means 'study of'.
- It emerged in philosophical discourse in the 17th century, focusing heavily on metaphysics.
- Philosophers like Aristotle contributed early ideas about existence which laid groundwork for modern ontological thought.
Philosophy
- Ontological arguments assert the existence of a supreme being based on the concept of perfection.
- René Descartes proposed an ontological proof for the existence of God, arguing that the very concept of a perfect being implies its existence.
- Immanuel Kant criticized ontological arguments, claiming existence is not a predicate that adds to the concept of something.
Science
- In theoretical physics, discussions about the 'ontology' of reality concern what is fundamentally real in the universe.
- Quantum mechanics has sparked ontological debates about the nature of particles, suggesting they exist in multiple states until observed.
- The ontological status of virtual particles challenges classical ideas about existence, leading to new interpretations in modern physics.
Literature
- Existential literature often explores ontological questions, probing characters’ understandings of their own existence.
- Philosophical works such as Sartre's 'Being and Nothingness' delve deeply into ontological themes.
- Postmodern literature questions traditional ontological assumptions, portraying fragmented realities and subjective truths.
Psychology
- Studies in psychological well-being often touch on ontological security, relating to a feeling of safe existence in an ever-changing world.
- Ontology in psychology helps explore how personal identities are formed and understood by individuals.
- Therapeutic practices sometimes encourage clients to reflect on their 'being' to foster deeper understanding of self.
Translations
Translations of the word "ontological" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ontológico
🇮🇳 ऑन्टोलॉजिकल
🇩🇪 ontologisch
🇮🇩 ontologis
🇺🇦 онтологічний
🇵🇱 ontologiczny
🇯🇵 存在論的な
🇫🇷 ontologique
🇪🇸 ontológico
🇹🇷 ontolojik
🇰🇷 존재론적
🇸🇦 وجودي
🇨🇿 ontologický
🇸🇰 ontologický
🇨🇳 本体论的
🇸🇮 ontološki
🇮🇸 ontologískur
🇰🇿 онтологиялық
🇬🇪 ონტოლოგიური
🇦🇿 ontoloji
🇲🇽 ontológico