Abstract

In a manuscript published as an appendix to Ideen III, Husserl distinguishes and articulates the concepts of “phenomenology” and “ontology” by stating, quite surprisingly, that one is “kinetic” while the other is “katastematic”. By tracing the multiple senses in which Husserl understands and subdivides ontology, this paper aims at grasping the exact meaning and function of such distinction within Husserl overall philosophical project. Additionally, having identified its Epicurean origin, it also seeks to show the general strategy by means of which Husserl appropriates, distorts and adapts some key concepts of the history of ontology.