THE SOCIAL ONTOLOGY OF JOHN R. SEARLE AND OF MAURIZIO FERRARIS. CRITICAL NOTES.

Abstract

In this work we present a detailed version of the theories of John Searle and Maurizio Ferraris on social ontology as regional ontology. First, we offer a critique of Searle’s intentional and representational theory, showing its successes and problematic elements. Next, we analyze Ferraris’ documentary theory, especially the notions of trace and register, whose genealogy starts from the conceptual distinctions of Jacques Derrida in de la grammatalogie. In conclusion, we hope to show that none of the analyzed theories constitutes a sufficient explanation of the ontological semantic and epistemological problems posed by social ontology.