Ontological Turn

The Ontological Turn is an approach in anthropology and philosophy that emphasizes understanding different cultures' perceptions of reality and existence. Instead of assuming a single, universal way of understanding what exists, scholars explore how various groups conceive of the world, spirits, ancestors, and social entities as real and meaningful within their own frameworks. This shift encourages respect for diverse worldviews and acknowledges that what counts as "real" can vary deeply across cultures, prompting a broader, more nuanced view of how humans relate to their environment, society, and metaphysical concepts.