An ontological framework is presented in which the relational/atomic pair plays a central role. The basic notion, which is defined in positive terms, is that of "relationality". "Atomicity" is negatively defined as non-relationality. More exactly, we distinguish between several related positive notions that can be seen as different kinds of relationality. Correspondingly, we distinguish between several kinds of atomicity (or non-relationality). Then, the ontological tools applied to two semantic issues: we briefly deal with the individualism issue and in more detail with the issue of semantic holism.
机构:
Univ Keele, Ctr Culture Social Theory & Technol, Keele ST5 5BG, Staffs, EnglandUniv Keele, Ctr Culture Social Theory & Technol, Keele ST5 5BG, Staffs, England