Ontology and ground
Ontology
Extended note
Ontology examines what is and what it means for something to be. In this system, ontology precedes epistemology and language because knowledge and statements always concern or presuppose something that is.
Limitations
Not the same as
- a catalogue of things
- metaphor
- linguistic classification alone
Related terms
Methodological relevance
Reality Audit does not settle every ontological question, but it requires the audit to identify the state of affairs and effects to which it refers.
Sources and principal occurrence
Source note: DET SOM ER places ontology first and develops actuality as ground.
- DET SOM ERThe foundational work and primary source.
Correct and incorrect use
Correct use
“The ontological claim must be distinguished from the linguistic model used to express it.”
Incorrect or over-strong use
“By changing the category, we have changed what is.”
Suggested citation
Suggested citationVikesland, M. A. A. (2026). “Ontology”. Røyndalism — Lexicon, content version 1.0.
APAVikesland, M. A. A. (2026). Ontology (version 1.0). Røyndalism. https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/ontology/
MLAVikesland, Martin A. A.. “Ontology.” Røyndalism, version 1.0, Vikesland Press, 2026, https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/ontology/.
ChicagoVikesland, Martin A. A.. “Ontology.” Røyndalism. version 1.0. Vikesland Press, 2026. https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/ontology/.
IEEEM. A. A. Vikesland, “Ontology,” Røyndalism, version 1.0, Vikesland Press, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/ontology/
CSEVikesland MAA. 2026. Ontology. version 1.0. Røyndalism. Vikesland Press. Available from: https://royndalisme.no/en/lexicon/ontology/
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Revision note
- Document version
- 1.0
- First published
- 18 June 2026
First public edition.