The nature and significance of social ontology

Abstract

We propose a bridge-builder perspective on social ontology. Our point of departure is that an important task of philosophy is to provide the bigger picture. To this end, it should investigate folk views and determine whether and how they can be preserved once scrutinized from the perspective of the sciences. However, the sciences typically present us with a fragmented picture of reality. Thus, an important intermediate step is to integrate the most promising social scientific theories with one another. In addition to this, social ontology can provide input to and benefit from other philosophical disciplines that engage in normative theorizing. Thus, we propose that social ontology connects not only with folk ontology and scientific ontology but also with fields such as ethics and political philosophy. Building bridges between them serves to formulate a credible and encompassing worldview that is of theoretical and practical significance.

The Significance of Comprehending Ontology and Epistemology within the Framework of Practitioner Research

“…The goal of social science research is to understand people's mental processes in relation to social reality and how these beliefs impact their behaviour in that setting. Investigating ontological distinctions is crucial for researchers as it reveals how their own beliefs impact their ability to uncover social reality (Guala et al, 2022). There are clear connections between how people see realities that are made by society and the decisions they make about how to study them.…”