\u2018Ontology\u2019 and Terminological Frameworks: an Overview of Issues and Term(s)

This paper addresses the question of the protean nature of \u2018ontology\u2019, with special attention paid to its use within the domain of terminology theories and applications. This term is widely used nowadays within various disciplines for designating different types of organising relational frameworks. Yet, its designations remain unvaried and, in this way, it causes ambiguity. The multifaceted nature of the so-called \u2018ontology\u2019 hinders the possibility of providing an unambiguous defi nition. This is mainly due to the multi- and interdisciplinary dimension of this notion, which is outlined here through an overview of its application within philosophy, information science, and linguistic disciplines. The reference model of ontology that is applied nowadays in various disciplines corresponds to an object, or more precisely, to various types of objects which are all based on a relational framework, and are used for organising different types of knowledge units. This view differs from the original value of ontology that was shaped within philosophy as a purely theoretical model, a global and universally-valid abstract classifi cation of reality. Therefore, it seems appropriate that this term should acquire greater precision especially when it is used within the domain of terminology