Topic: Object Oriented Ontology

James Madden discusses Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) and the work of philosopher Graham Harman. He revisits Aristotelian debates regarding whether objects like cats are merely the sum of their parts (earth, air, water, fire) or distinct entities with unique powers and persistence. Madden explains that for an object to be considered a real substantial entity, it must demonstrate its own agency and the ability to persist even as its constituent parts are exchanged.