Theory and Applications of Ontology: Philosophical Perspectives (eBook)

Roberto Poli, Johanna Seibt (Herausgeber)

eBook Download: PDF

2010 | 2010
XV, 415 Seiten
Springer Netherland (Verlag)
978-90-481-8845-1 (ISBN)

Infos

Ontology was once understood to be the philosophical inquiry into the structure of reality: the analysis and categorization of 'what there is'. Recently, however, a field called 'ontology' has become part of the rapidly growing research industry in information technology. The two fields have more in common than just their name.

Theory and Applications of Ontology is a two-volume anthology that aims to further an informed discussion about the relationship between ontology in philosophy and ontology in information technology. It fills an important lacuna in cutting-edge research on ontology in both fields, supplying stage-setting overview articles on history and method, presenting directions of current research in either field, and highlighting areas of productive interdisciplinary contact.

Theory and Applications of Ontology: Philosophical Perspectives presents ontology in philosophy in ways that computer scientists are not likely to find elsewhere. The volume offers an overview of current research traditions in ontology, contrasting analytical, phenomenological, and hermeneutic approaches. It introduces the reader to current philosophical research on those categories of everyday and scientific reasoning that are most relevant to present and future research in information technology.

Roberto Poli (B.A. in sociology, with honors, Ph.D. on ontology for knowledge engineers, Utrecht) is editor-in-chief of Axiomathes (Springer), a peer-reviewed academic journal devoted to the study of ontology and cognitive systems, editor of Categories (Ontos), and member of the Academic Board of Directors of the Metanexus Institute, Philadelphia. His research interests include (1) ontology, in both its traditional philosophical understanding and the new, computer-oriented, understanding, (2) the theory of values and the concept of person and (3) anticipatory systems, i.e. system able to take decisions according to their possible future development. Poli has published four books, edited or co-edited more than 20 books or journal's special issues and published more than 150 scientific papers.  He teaches Applied Ethics and Futures Studies at the Faculty of Sociology and gives a course in Ontology at the Faculty of Literature and Philosophy, University of Trento.

Johanna Seibt, Ph. D. (Univ. of Pittsburgh, 1990), Dr. phil. habil. (Univ. of Konstanz, 2005), Associate Professor at the University of Aarhus, Denmark, taught previously at the University of Texas at Austin (1990-2000). Her main interest is in ontology, especially formal process ontology and the history and methodology of ontology. She is main editor of the book series Process Thought and Metaphysical Research, is co-editing the Handbook of Mereology, She has over 60 research publications, including 9 books (monographs and editions) and over 40 articles in international reviewed journals and anthologies. She has given over 70 talks at conferences and departmental lectures (including plenary lectures and lecture series) and received American, German, and Danish grants and awards for her research and teaching.

Inhalt

Preface 4
Contents 8
Contributors 10
Introduction 12
1 Ontology: The Categorial Stance 15
1.1 Introduction 15
1.2 Three Configurations of Ontology 16
1.3 Ontological Presentations 17
1.4 Ontology vs. Epistemology 18
1.5 Ontology as Theory of Categories 19
1.6 The Main Distinction 20
1.7 The Articulation of Substance 22
1.7.1 Ground Categories 22
1.7.2 Universal Theories 22
1.7.2.1 Classification 23
1.7.2.2 Structure 23
1.7.2.3 Chronotopoids 24
1.7.2.4 Interactions (Causations) 24
1.7.3 Levels of Reality 24
1.7.4 Multiplying Universal Theories by Levels of Reality 27
1.8 Determinations 30
1.9 The Substance-Determination Relation 30
1.10 Predication 31
1.10.1 Nominalism 32
1.10.2 Conceptualism 32
1.10.3 Realism 33
1.11 From Commutative to Non-commutative Ontology 34
References 35
2 Particulars 37
2.1 Ontology -- the Theory of Categorial Inference 38
2.2 The Myth of Substance and the `Dirty Hands' of Logic 41
2.3 Particulars and the Debate About Individuality 46
2.3.1 The Bare Particular Theory 49
(I) The Duplication Argument 50
(II) The Exemplification Argument 51
2.3.2 Paradise Lost: Incoherent Nude Particulars 54
2.4 Alternative Conceptions of Particulars 57
2.5 Non-particular Individuals 60
2.6 Conclusion 66
References 67
3 The Ontology of Mereological Systems: A Logical Approach 70
3.1 Introduction and Preliminaries 70
3.2 Abstract Mereology 71
3.2.1 Basic Theories 72
3.2.1.1 Basic Axioms and Ground Mereology 72
3.2.1.2 Principles of Supplementation and Extensionality 73
3.2.1.3 Fusion Principles and Closure Axioms 73
3.2.1.4 Bottom and Top 74
3.2.2 Limitations of the Basic Systems 75
3.2.2.1 Ground Mereology 75
3.2.2.2 Extensional Mereology and Supplementation Principles 76
3.2.2.3 Fusion Principles and Algebraic Operations 78
3.2.3 Definable Relations and Implicit Axioms 78
3.2.4 Contextually Based Parthood-Relations 79
3.3 Set Theory and Abstract Mereology 80
3.3.1 Sets and Classes 80
3.3.2 Interpretability of Set Theory in Mereology and Models of Th(Mer) 83
3.3.3 The Ontology of Singletons 84
3.4 Classification of Mereological Systems 85
3.4.1 Lattices, Ideals and Filters 86
3.4.1.1 Lattices and Partial Orderings 86
3.4.1.2 Ideals and Factor Lattices 86
3.4.1.3 Distributive Lattices, Complements, and Boolean Algebras 86
3.4.1.4 Generalizations 87
3.4.1.5 Properties of Elements in Distributive Weak Lattices 87
3.4.1.6 Separability Ideals 87
3.4.2 The Systems with General Fusion Principles 88
3.4.3 Classical Mereology 89
3.4.4 Extensions of the Ground Mereology 90
3.5 Domain-Specific Mereologies 90
3.5.1 Domains 90
3.5.2 Parts and Wholes 91
3.5.2.1 Gestalts 91
3.5.2.2 Material Objects and Natural Boundaries 91
3.5.2.3 Systems 92
3.5.2.4 Situations, Situoids, and Sets 92
3.5.3 General Framework 92
References 94
4 Causation 96
4.1 Introduction 96
4.2 Conditional Theories of Causation 97
4.2.1 Hume on Causation 97
4.2.1.1 Necessary Connections as Logical Relations? 99
4.2.1.2 Necessary Connections as 'Powers of Objects' Considered in Themselves 100
4.2.1.3 Necessary Connection as 'Constant Conjunction' 100
4.2.2 Modern Regularity Views 101
4.2.2.1 Probabilistic Corrections to the Regularity View 102
4.2.3 Counterfactual Theories of Causation 104
4.2.3.1 Problems for the Conditional Approach 108
4.3 Process Theories of Causation 110
4.3.1 Early Process Theories: Mark-Transmission 110
4.3.2 The Conserved Quantity Theory 111
4.3.3 Problems for Process Theories 112
4.4 Causation by Absence 113
4.4.1 Causation by Absence and Counterfactual Dependence 114
4.4.2 Causation by Absence and Process Theories 115
References 116
5 Actualism Versus Possibilism in Formal Ontology 118
5.1 Logical Atomism 119
5.1.1 The Modal Thesis of Anti-essentialism 120
5.2 Actualism and Possibilism Across Temporal Modalities 122
5.3 Modality Within Tense Logic 124
5.3.1 Relativity Theory and the Light-Signal Relation 125
5.3.2 The Many-Worlds Model of Quantum Mechanics 128
References 129
6 Dispositions and Response-Dependence Theories 131
6.1 The Conditional Analysis and Its Problems 132
6.2 Dispositions and Their Bases 136
6.3 Response-Dependence Theories 139
References 145
7 Properties 147
7.1 Introduction 147
7.2 Preliminary Distinctions 148
7.2.1 Concepts, Predicates and Properties 148
7.2.2 Classification of Properties 148
7.2.3 Realism and Anti-realism 150
7.2.4 Instantiation and Exemplification 151
7.3 Ontology of Properties 151
7.3.1 Existence 151
7.3.2 Concrete vs. Abstract Existence 152
7.3.3 Objects and Properties 153
7.3.4 Modal and Epistemic Components of Properties 154
7.3.5 Ontological Economy 155
7.3.6 Three Ontologies of Properties 156
7.3.7 Instantiation and Exemplification 158
7.3.8 Nominalism and Tropism 159
7.4 Semantics 159
7.4.1 Modeltheoretic Semantics and Tropist Semantics 159
7.4.2 Abstract vs. Concrete and Universal vs. Particular 160
7.4.3 Describing Properties: From Physical Rigidity to Divine Simplicity 161
7.4.4 An Ontology of Properties 162
References 162
8 Boundary Questions Between Ontology and Biology 164
8.1 Introduction: Ontology and Biologists 164
8.2 Ontological Questions in Biology 164
8.3 A Case Study: Biological Boundaries 168
8.3.1 Perceptual Boundaries 169
8.3.2 Compositional Boundaries 171
8.3.3 Epithelial Boundaries 172
8.3.4 Cellular Boundaries 173
8.3.5 Sensu Lato Processual Boundaries 175
8.3.6 The Organismic Boundary 177
References 184
9 The Ontology of Perception 187
9.1 On Ontological Classification 187
9.2 The Field of Visual Objects 190
9.2.1 Part I: The Concept of Real 191
9.2.2 Part II. Intermezzo 200
9.2.3 Part III: The Qualities of Events 202
9.3 Towards a Theory of Internal Relations 206
References 209
10 Interactive Knowing: The Metaphysics of Intentionality 217
10.1 Substance and Particle 217
10.1.1 Aporetic Consequences 218
10.2 Process 219
10.3 Emergence: The Metaphysical Possibility 220
10.3.1 Kim and Particles 220
10.3.2 Hume Against Emergence 222
10.4 Normative Emergence 224
10.4.1 Stabilities of Process 224
10.4.2 Normative Function 225
10.4.2.1 Having a Function from Serving a Function 228
10.4.3 Representation: Normativity and Intentionality 228
10.4.3.1 Resources for Greater Complexity 229
10.4.3.2 Representations of Objects 230
10.4.4 Criteria of Emergence and Normativity 231
10.4.4.1 Representational Emergence 231
10.4.4.2 Representational Normativity 232
10.5 Conclusions 236
References 237
11 The Role of Logic and Ontology in Language and Reasoning 240
11.1 The Search for Foundations 240
11.2 A Semiotic Foundation for Ontology 243
11.3 Twentieth-Century Theories of Language 249
11.4 A Neo-Wittgensteinian Approach 253
11.5 Steps Toward Formalization 256
11.6 Formal and Informal Reasoning 260
11.7 Foundations for Dynamic Ontology 265
References 269
12 Ontologies in the Legal Domain 273
12.1 Introduction 273
12.2 A Selection of Legal Ontologies 276
12.2.1 Semantically Oriented Theories 277
12.2.2 Epistemically Oriented Theories 277
12.2.3 Ontologically Oriented Theories 278
12.2.4 Mixed Approaches 279
12.3 Applications of Legal Ontologies 279
12.4 New Developments 281
12.5 Conclusion 282
References 283
13 Ontology in Economics 285
13.1 A New Chapter in Economic Philosophy 285
13.2 Ontological Commitments in Modern Economics 287
13.3 New Realism 288
13.4 The Evolutionary Reality of Economic Systems 290
References 292
14 Ontology and Phenomenology 294
14.1 Introduction 294
14.2 Edmund Husserls Ontology: Between Logic and Science 296
(a) Formal and Material Ontology. Whole and Parts 297
(b) The Constitution of the Sciences: from Objectivity in General to the Individual 299
(c) Absolute Universal Apriori Ontology as the Basis for a Formal Ontology and an Ontology of All the Forms of the Reality 301
(d) The Epistemological Turn: from the Knowledge of Objectivity to Subjectivity 303
(e) The Subjective Foundation of Logic as a Transcendental Problem 305
14.3 Adolf Reinach's Apriori Essential Connections 307
14.4 Jean Hering's Early Phenomenological Ontology 310
14.5 Hedwig Conrad-Martius' Interpretation of Reality and the Constitution of Nature 312
14.5.1 Realontologie 312
14.5.2 Science and Philosophy as Aspects of the Inquiry into Nature 315
14.5.3 The Constitution of Living Nature 316
14.6 Edith Stein's Ontology: Between Phenomenology and Metaphysics 319
14.7 The Ontology of the Human Being 322
14.7.1 Hedwig Conrad-Martius 322
14.7.1.1 The Origin of the Human Being 322
14.7.1.2 The Constitution of the Human Being 325
14.7.1.3 The Ontological Levels of the Human Being 327
14.7.2 Edith Stein 330
14.7.2.1 The Identity of the Human Subject 330
14.7.2.2 The Ego and the Person 331
14.7.2.3 The Ego and the Self 332
14.7.2.4 The Levels of the Human Being 333
References 334
15 Phenomenology and Ontology in Nicolai Hartmann and Roman Ingarden 336
15.1 Phenomenology and Ontology in Hartmann 336
15.1.1 The Neo-Kantian Phase and the Scientific Foundation of Philosophy 336
15.1.2 The Entrance of Phenomenology into the Neo-Kantian Framework 337
15.1.3 The Overcoming of Phenomenology: the Metaphysics of Knowing 339
15.1.4 'Critical ontology' and Realism 340
15.1.5 The Theory of the Levels of Reality 342
15.2 Phenomenology and Ontology in Roman Ingarden 344
15.2.1 Phenomenology as a Point of Departure 344
15.2.2 'Ontic Moments' and Existential Analysis 346
15.2.3 Ontology as Recovery of the World 349
References 352
16 Ontology and Methodology in Analytic Philosophy 355
16.1 Introduction 355
16.2 Ontology and Logic for Frege 360
16.3 Logical Construction in Russell, Ramsey and Carnap 365
16.4 Quinean Naturalism and Ontological Commitment 375
16.5 Barcan Marcus and Kripke on Modality 381
16.6 Common sense, Ordinary Language and Categorial Ontology 386
16.7 Common Sense Conservatives and Their Counterintuitive Conclusions 392
16.8 Explanatory Adequacy and Parsimony 395
16.9 Concluding Remarks 397
References 398
17 Hermeneutic Ontology 401
17.1 Historical Presuppositions 401
17.1.1 The Perils of Traditional Ontology 401
17.1.2 Regional and Formal Ontologies 402
17.1.3 Phenomenological Ontology and the Task of Grounding 404
17.2 The Hermeneutics of Fundamental Ontology 406
17.2.1 The Critique of Husserl's Unhistorical Ontological Method 406
17.2.2 The Fundamental Question and the Reason for Beginning with Human Existence 408
17.2.3 The Reflexivity of the Hermeneutical Circle and Taking Responsibility 412
17.3 Hermeneutic Ontology: an Outline 415
17.3.1 The Historicity of Interpretation 416
17.3.2 The Interpretive Helix 417
17.3.3 The Ontology of Interpretation and the Interpretation of Ontology 418
17.3.4 Gadamer on Language as the Horizon of Hermeneutical Ontology 420
References 421

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 28.8.2010
• Zusatzinfo: XV, 415 p.
• Verlagsort: Dordrecht
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie ► Allgemeines / Lexika
• Themenwelt: Geisteswissenschaften ► Philosophie ► Metaphysik / Ontologie
• Schlagworte: Applied ontology • category theory • Computer Science • Logical modelling • Metaphysics • Ontology • Semantics
• ISBN-10: 90-481-8845-8 / 9048188458
• ISBN-13: 978-90-481-8845-1 / 9789048188451