noun

ontology

Ontology (noun) means the branch of metaphysics that addresses the nature or essential characteristics of being and of things that exist; the study of being qua being.

noun

The branch of metaphysics that addresses the nature or essential characteristics of being and of things that exist; the study of being qua being.

In a subject view, or a world view, the set of conceptual or material things or classes of things that are recognised as existing, or are assumed to exist in context, and their interrelations; in a body of theory, the ontology comprises the domain of discourse, the things that are defined as existing, together with whatever emerges from their mutual implications.

The theory of a particular philosopher or school of thought concerning the fundamental types of entity in the universe.

A logical system involving theory of classes, developed by Stanislaw Lesniewski (1886-1939).

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Etymology

Learned borrowing from New Latin ontologia (1606, Ogdoas Scholastica, by Jacob Lorhard (Lorhardus)), from Ancient Greek ὤν, ὄντος (ṓn, óntos, “being”), present participle of εἰμί (eimí, “being, existing, essence”) + λόγος (lógos, “account”). By surface analysis, onto- + -logy. First known English use 1663: Archelogia philosophica nova; or, New principles of Philosophy. Containing Philosophy in general, Metaphysicks or Ontology, Dynamilogy or a Discourse of Power, Religio Philosophi or Natural Theology, Physicks or Natural philosophy, by Gideon Harvey (1636–1702), London, Thomson, 1663. Popularized as a philosophical term by German philosopher Christian Wolff (1679–1754).

Rhymes for ontology

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology pedagogy theology ideology

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of ontology?

"ontology" (noun) means the branch of metaphysics that addresses the nature or essential characteristics of being and of things that exist; the study of being qua being.

What are the different meanings of ontology?

"ontology" has 3 main meanings: 1. The branch of metaphysics that addresses the nature or essential characteristics of being and of things that exist; the study of being qua being; 2. In a subject view, or a world view, the set of conceptual or material things or classes of things that are recognised as existing, or are assumed to exist in context, and their interrelations; in a body of theory, the ontology comprises the domain of discourse, the things that are defined as existing, together with whatever emerges from their mutual implications; 3. The theory of a particular philosopher or school of thought concerning the fundamental types of entity in the universe.