Formal Ontology
Theory of formal distinctions and connections within:
- entities of the world, as we perceive it (particulars)
- categories we use to talk about such entities (universals)
Basic tools of formal ontological analysis:
- Theory of Parts and Wholes (Mereology)
- Theory of Identity, Integrity, Essence
- Theory of Dependence
Why formal?
- Two meanings :
- Formal logic: connections between truths - neutral wrt truth
- Formal ontology: connections between things - neutral wrt reality [Varzi 96]
Goal: characterizing particulars and universals by means of formal properties and relations.