Ontological Inquiry in Literature & Theory

Ontological Inquiry: Concept

Ontological inquiry, within academic discourse, centrally focuses on the systematic examination and exploration of the nature of existence and reality. Scholars engaged in ontological inquiry seek to understand the fundamental categories of being, questioning the nature of entities, their properties, and the relationships that govern their existence. This philosophical pursuit delves into the very essence of what exists, exploring concepts such as identity, causation, and the nature of reality itself.

Ontological inquiries often involve nuanced discussions about the nature of objects, events, and the underlying principles that shape our understanding of the world. By grappling with these foundational questions, ontological inquiry contributes to a deeper comprehension of the metaphysical structures that underlie our perceptions and interpretations of the universe.

Ontological Inquiry: Meanings

Aspect	Meaning
Systematic Examination	Delving into a structured and methodical exploration of the nature of existence and reality.
Fundamental Categories	Understanding and questioning the essential categories of being, including the nature of entities and their properties.
Exploration of Concepts	Probing into abstract notions such as identity, causation, and the overarching nature of reality.
Nuanced Discussions	Engaging in detailed and subtle conversations about the nature of objects, events, and the underlying principles shaping our worldview.
Deeper Comprehension	Contributing to a profound understanding of metaphysical structures that form the basis of our perceptions and interpretations of the universe.

Ontological Inquiry: Process

1. Define the Research Question:
   • Clearly articulate the specific aspects of existence and reality you aim to explore through ontological inquiry.
2. Literature Review:
   • Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature in ontology to understand prior research, key concepts, and established theories.
3. Select Methodology:
   • Choose an appropriate methodology for your ontological inquiry, considering whether qualitative, quantitative, or a mixed-methods approach aligns with your research question.
4. Data Collection:
   • Implement the chosen methodology to gather relevant data. This may involve interviews, surveys, analysis of texts, or other methods depending on the nature of your inquiry.
5. Analysis of Data:
   • Systematically analyze the collected data, identifying patterns, themes, and connections related to the ontological aspects under investigation.
6. Interpretation:
   • Interpret the findings in the context of existing ontological theories and philosophical frameworks. Consider the implications of your results for our understanding of existence.
7. Synthesis of Insights:
   • Synthesize the insights gained from your research, creating a cohesive narrative that contributes to the broader ontological discourse.
8. Peer Review and Feedback:
   • Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or experts in the field to refine your ontological inquiry. Incorporate constructive criticism to enhance the robustness of your study.
9. Revision and Refinement:
   • Revise your ontological inquiry based on feedback, ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with academic standards.
10. Conclusion and Contribution:
    • Summarize your findings, reiterate the significance of your contribution to ontological understanding, and propose potential avenues for future research.

Ontological Inquiry: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

1. Martin Heidegger:
   • Key Work: “Being and Time” (1927)
   • Main Argument: Heidegger explores the concept of “Dasein,” or being-in-the-world, and delves into the nature of existence, time, and authenticity.
2. Jean-Paul Sartre:
   • Key Work: “Being and Nothingness” (1943)
   • Main Argument: Sartre is all about existentialism. He argues that existence precedes essence, emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility.
3. René Descartes:
   • Key Work: “Meditations on First Philosophy” (1641)
   • Main Argument: Descartes is famous for “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”). He’s a foundational figure in Western philosophy, exploring the relationship between mind and body.
4. Immanuel Kant:
   • Key Work: “Critique of Pure Reason” (1781)
   • Main Argument: Kant’s transcendental idealism investigates how we perceive and understand the world, suggesting that our experience is shaped by both the mind and external reality.
5. Parmenides:
   • Key Work: Fragments (circa 5th century BCE)
   • Main Argument: Parmenides challenged the idea of change and argued for the unity and permanence of being. His work laid the groundwork for metaphysical inquiries.
6. Gilbert Ryle:
   • Key Work: “The Concept of Mind” (1949)
   • Main Argument: Ryle critiques the mind-body dualism and introduces the idea of “category mistakes,” arguing against a Cartesian separation of mind and body.
7. Alfred North Whitehead:
   • Key Work: “Process and Reality” (1929)
   • Main Argument: Whitehead introduces process philosophy, suggesting that reality is a continuous process of becoming rather than fixed entities.

These are just a few key players in the vast landscape of ontological inquiry. Each has left a significant mark on the field, contributing unique perspectives and ideas about the nature of existence. Any particular area you’re interested in exploring further?

Ontological Inquiry and Literary Theories

1. Phenomenology and Literature:
   • Connection: Phenomenology, which explores conscious experience, finds its way into literature by examining the ways characters perceive and experience their worlds. Think of it as the study of “lived experience” in literary narratives.
2. Existentialism and Literature:
   • Connection: Existentialist themes often permeate literature, questioning the meaning of life, freedom, and choice. Works like Sartre’s “No Exit” or Camus’ “The Stranger” are classic examples where existentialist ideas take center stage.
3. Postmodernism and Ontological Uncertainty:
   • Connection: Postmodern literature often challenges traditional notions of reality and truth. Authors like Jorge Luis Borges or Italo Calvino play with the boundaries of fiction and reality, creating narratives that question the very nature of existence.
4. New Materialism and Narratives:
   • Connection: New Materialism, which focuses on the agency of non-human entities, seeps into literature by exploring the relationships between characters and the material world. It challenges anthropocentrism and traditional human-centered narratives.
5. Narrative Identity and Ontological Construction:
   • Connection: Narrative identity theories, influenced by poststructuralism, suggest that our sense of self is constructed through stories. This ties into ontological questions about the nature of identity and how it is shaped by narrative.
6. Metafiction and Self-Reflexivity:
   • Connection: Metafiction, where a work acknowledges its own fictional nature, can be seen as an ontological exploration. It blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inviting readers to question the nature of the narrative they are engaging with.
7. Magical Realism and Ontological Ambiguity:
   • Connection: Magical realism, popularized by authors like Gabriel García Márquez, introduces magical elements into realistic settings. This creates a sense of ontological ambiguity, challenging readers to reconsider the boundaries between the mundane and the fantastical.

Ontological Inquiry: Application in Critiques

Theory	Ontological Inquiry
Character Existence and Authenticity	Consider the authenticity of characters’ existence. How well-developed are they as individuals, and to what extent do they grapple with their own being? Do they undergo existential crises, questioning their purpose or identity?
Narrative Reality and Ontological Uncertainty	Explore how the novel constructs its own reality. Does the narrative play with the boundaries between reality and fiction? Look for instances of ontological uncertainty, where the nature of existence within the story becomes a central theme.
Temporal Constructs and Time in Novels	Ontological inquiry often involves a deep dive into the nature of time. How does the novel handle time? Does it follow a linear structure, or does it experiment with non-linear time, reflecting the fluidity of existence?
Reality and Illusion in Metafiction	If the novel employs metafictional elements, analyze how it blurs the lines between reality and illusion. How does the self-awareness of the narrative impact the reader’s perception of the story’s ontological status?
Ontological Struggles of Protagonists	Focus on the ontological struggles of the protagonists. Do they face existential dilemmas or grapple with the meaning of their own existence? How does their journey contribute to the overall ontological exploration of the novel?
World-Building and Materiality	Consider the world-building in the novel. How does the author depict the materiality of the fictional world? Are there elements of new materialism at play, where non-human entities shape the characters’ experiences?
Narrative Identity and Character Construction	Explore how narrative identity is constructed in the novel. Do characters actively participate in shaping their own identities through storytelling? How does the narrative structure contribute to the ontological understanding of the characters?
Magical Realism and Ontological Ambiguity	If the novel incorporates magical realism, analyze how it introduces ontological ambiguity. How do the magical elements challenge the characters’ understanding of reality, and how does this impact the overall narrative?

Ontological Inquiry: Relevant Terms

1. Dasein: Originating from Heidegger’s philosophy, Dasein refers to the unique mode of being of human existence, emphasizing its experiential and existential aspects.
2. Existentialism: A philosophical movement that explores the individual’s existence, emphasizing freedom, choice, and the subjective experience of reality.
3. Phenomenology: A philosophical approach that focuses on the study of consciousness and the structures of experience, aiming to describe phenomena as they appear to consciousness.
4. Essence: In ontology, essence refers to the fundamental nature or inherent characteristics that define the identity of a being or thing.
5. Cogito, ergo sum: Latin for “I think, therefore I am,” a foundational philosophical statement by René Descartes, highlighting the certainty of self-awareness as proof of one’s existence.
6. Transcendental Idealism: A concept from Kantian philosophy, suggesting that our perception of reality is shaped by both the mind’s structures and external phenomena.
7. Process Philosophy: A philosophical perspective, as advocated by Alfred North Whitehead, that views reality as an ongoing process of becoming rather than static entities.
8. Category Mistake: Coined by Gilbert Ryle, this term refers to a mistake in logic where one uses a concept inappropriately, often by assigning a category to something that doesn’t belong to it.
9. Narrative Identity: The idea that personal identity is constructed through storytelling, where individuals shape their sense of self through the narratives they create about their lives.
10. Magical Realism: A literary and artistic genre that blends realistic settings with magical or fantastical elements, challenging the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Ontological Inquiry: Suggested Readings

1. Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper & Row, 1962.
2. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness. Translated by Hazel E. Barnes, Washington Square Press, 1992.
3. Descartes, René. Meditations on First Philosophy. Translated by Donald A. Cress, Hackett Publishing Company, 1993.
4. Kant, Immanuel. Critique of Pure Reason. Translated by Paul Guyer and Allen W. Wood, Cambridge University Press, 1998.
5. Parmenides. Fragments. Translated by Arthur Fairbanks, The University of Michigan Press, 2000.
6. Ryle, Gilbert. The Concept of Mind. University of Chicago Press, 2009.
7. Whitehead, Alfred North. Process and Reality: An Essay in Cosmology. Free Press, 1978.
8. Borges, Jorge Luis. Collected Fictions. Translated by Andrew Hurley, Penguin Books, 1999.
9. García Márquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa, Harper & Row, 1970.
10. Calvino, Italo. If on a winter’s night a traveler. Translated by William Weaver, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1981.