Ontology and ground
Existence
Exist · Existing
Extended note
Existence concerns that something is, not what it is, how it should be categorised, or whether all properties are known. One may therefore have to distinguish existence, identity, property, and documented status.
Limitations
Not the same as
- complete explanation
- classification
- value
- linguistic label
Related terms
Methodological relevance
In audit, one must distinguish whether something exists, what traces show it, and what further claims are added.
Sources and principal occurrence
Source note: The entry specifies existence in relation to being and actuality.
- DET SOM ERThe foundational work and primary source.
- T1 — Actuality and OntologyThe sustained ontological articulation in the theory programme.
Correct and incorrect use
Correct use
“The log shows that a registration exists; its content must be assessed separately.”
Incorrect or over-strong use
“Because the category exists, the state of affairs exists as the category says.”
Suggested citation
Suggested citationVikesland, M. A. A. (2026). “Existence”. Røyndalism — Lexicon, content version 1.0.
APAVikesland, M. A. A. (2026). Existence (version 1.0). Røyndalism. https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/existence/
MLAVikesland, Martin A. A.. “Existence.” Røyndalism, version 1.0, Vikesland Press, 2026, https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/existence/.
ChicagoVikesland, Martin A. A.. “Existence.” Røyndalism. version 1.0. Vikesland Press, 2026. https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/existence/.
IEEEM. A. A. Vikesland, “Existence,” Røyndalism, version 1.0, Vikesland Press, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/existence/
CSEVikesland MAA. 2026. Existence. version 1.0. Røyndalism. Vikesland Press. Available from: https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/existence/
Check institutional requirements for access date, line breaks, and minor differences among style manuals.
Revision note
- Document version
- 1.0
- First published
- 18 June 2026
First public edition.