ontological commitment

USAGE SUMMARY

"ontological commitment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a philosophical concept that involves accepting or denying something as true or real. For example, "John's ontological commitment to the idea of an afterlife led him to make drastic decisions about how he lived his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue is well explored for times and possible worlds (entry ontology and ontological commitment).

SEP

This language reflected an almost ontological commitment.

The New Yorker

The precise import of Quine's criterion of ontological commitment, however, is not completely clear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now logic, he held, is tautologous and without ontological commitment.

SEP

This leads to the debate about ontological commitment.

SEP

(For discussion of ontological commitment in ordinary language, see §4).

SEP

In this article, however, only ontological commitment will be discussed.

SEP

Indeed, it seems plausible to say (as noted in §1.3) that an ontological commitment to elephants carries with it an ontological commitment to mammals, just not an ontological commitment to the mammals.

SEP

Note that, unlike the criteria for ontological commitment considered heretofore, this is intended only as a sufficient condition for ontological commitment.

SEP

A first objection is that the ontological commitment of second-order logic is higher than the ontological commitment of first-order logic.

SEP

But ontological commitment to some entities plurally, or some kind of entity, is clearly not the same as ontological commitment to each of the entities singly.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "ontological commitment", clearly define the theory or framework to which the commitment applies. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid making broad statements about "ontological commitment" without specifying the relevant context or philosophical framework. Failure to provide sufficient context can lead to misinterpretations and invalidate your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ontological commitment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a valid and frequently used term, particularly in philosophical and academic discussions. It denotes a relationship between theories and entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ontological commitment" is a noun phrase widely used in philosophical and academic contexts to denote the entities a theory assumes to exist. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various sources, primarily in science, encyclopedias, and news media. The phrase carries a formal tone, and understanding its usage nuances helps in precise scholarly communication. It's crucial to provide context when discussing "ontological commitment" to prevent ambiguity and ensure clarity in arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ontological assumption

Shifts from a firm commitment to a more provisional assumption.

ontological dependence

Emphasizes reliance of one entity on another for existence.

commitment to being

Highlights the aspect of existence over the theoretical acceptance.

acceptance of entities

Replaces the abstract commitment with a more concrete acceptance.

ontological postulation

Involves proposing something exists as a basis for reasoning.

existential presupposition

Focuses on what must exist for a statement to be meaningful, rather than a broader commitment.

theoretical dependency on existence

Specifies that a theory relies on certain entities existing.

belief in existence

Emphasizes the subjective belief component rather than the objective existence implied by a theory.

presupposition of reality

Highlights the necessary belief in something's realness.

existential investment

Implies a deeper, more significant implication than mere commitment.

FAQs

What does "ontological commitment" mean in philosophy?

In philosophy, "ontological commitment" refers to the entities or beings that a theory or system of thought is committed to the existence of. It reflects what a theory assumes to be real in order to function.

How is "ontological commitment" determined?

Ontological commitment is often determined by examining the quantifiers and singular terms used within a theory or language. Quine's criterion suggests that a theory is committed to the existence of entities over which it quantifies.

What are some implications of having an "ontological commitment"?

Having an "ontological commitment" can influence the scope and validity of a theory. It dictates what entities are considered necessary for the theory to be true and consistent, potentially excluding alternative explanations.

What's the difference between "ontological commitment" and an "epistemological commitment"?

"Ontological commitment" concerns what a theory posits as existing, while an "epistemological commitment" concerns the theory's stance on knowledge and how that knowledge is justified or acquired. One is about being, the other about knowing.