Axio-Onto-Epistemology in Systemic Practice

Abstract

This paper explores the inter/intra-connectedness of axiology, ontology, and epistemology as lived experiences. It emphasises their profound impact on academic inquiry, practice and everyday human existence. I argue that Axiology, the study of values and value-based judgements, serves as the pulse of human experience, shaping our moral choices, aesthetic appreciation, and interpersonal relationships, to mention a few. Ontology provides the solid foundation on which we construct our understanding of existence, while epistemology acts as the guiding light, directing how we acquire and interpret knowledge. Using the work of several key philosophers such as Kant, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Barad, this paper engages with the concept of axio-onto-epistemology to demonstrate how the inter/intra-connectedness of the three shapes human thoughts and interactions. As Dewey (1939) argued, Axiology is not an abstract construct but an evolving lived experience that manifests in the ethical dilemmas, cultural frameworks, and social structures that define our realities. Through the lens of axio-onto-epistemology, our existence is grounded in relational and experiential realities while simultaneously inviting us to critically examine the ways we come to know and make sense of the world. Rather than treating ontology and epistemology as separate domains, this integrated perspective encourages systemic practitioners to map the values they hold dear, question their ways of knowing, and attend to the ethical tensions that reveal deeper ontological assumptions. This paper argues that axio-onto-epistemology is not merely a theoretical framework but a reflexive, evolving process that influences systemic practice. Reflexivity, the conscious examination of one’s beliefs and biases, emerges as a key component in navigating the tensions between these philosophical perspectives. The paper also draws on Barad’s (2007) concept of ethico-onto-epistemology, arguing that axiology should have a more central role in philosophical discourse. While Barad highlights the ethical implications of our participation in the world, this paper emphasises individual agency in shaping values and meaning. Ultimately, this exploration underlines the transformative potential of axio-onto-epistemology, showing how it functions as a guiding framework for intentional and informed engagement with the world. By embracing these interconnected philosophies, individuals and practitioners can develop deeper awareness, adaptability, and ethical responsibility in their personal and professional lives.