  Philosophers frequently struggle with the relation of metaphysics to the
everyday world, with its practical value, and with its relation to empirical
science. This paper distinguishes several different models of the relation
between philosophical ontology and applied (scientific) ontology that have been
advanced in the history of philosophy. Adoption of a strong participation model
for the philosophical ontologist in science is urged, and requirements and
consequences of the participation model are explored. This approach provides
both a principled view and justification of the role of the philosophical
ontologist in contemporary empirical science as well as guidelines for
integrating philosophers and philosophical contributions into the practice of
science.
