One exception may be the foundations of mathematics (and logic) such as Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory (ZFC) or variants, if you buy into them. Or perhaps some category theory equivalent. This was/is the dream of many foundationalists, going back to Russell (notwithstanding Goedel).  Is this ontology? Well, yes, depending on how you slice logic/ontology.

Then of course for science, to gauge/adjudicate scientific theories, one gets into philosophy of science issues such as theory succinctness, domain coverage, easy/sound linkage to best other scientific theories (bridging), etc. Does this apply to ontology? Yes.

Thanks,
Leo

>-----Original Message-----
>From: ontolog-forum-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ontolog-forum-
>bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of John F Sowa
>Sent: Friday, October 03, 2014 3:07 PM
>To: ontolog-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: Re: [ontolog-forum] Ontology vs KR
>

>On 10/3/2014 1:56 PM, Barkmeyer, Edward J wrote:
>> I would say instead that every theory has its own fundamental elements
>> (semantic primitives).  If the theory is accepted by others, its
>> fundamental elements become elements of their elaborated theories...
>
>I agree.
>
>> I agree that there are no truly fundamental elements that are
>> undisputedly  part of (or consistent with) all theories.
>
>Yes.
>
>> I must say I don't understand the idea "fundamental representation" at all.
>
>Since there is no known theory that has any claim to be the final
>answer to every question, the word 'fundamental' must be relative
>to the foundation of one fallible theory or another.
>
>You could say that one foundation goes down to a deeper level than
>another in some particular field.  But nobody knows (a) how many
>fields there are, (b) whether any of them are bottomless, or
>(c) if any have a bottom, how far down it may be.
>
>John
>
>
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