Ontological literacy: a pragmatic framework to foster ontological diversity in policy, research and education

Background Policy, research, and education in the EU rely on secular-scientific ontologies, creating an “ontological blindness” that excludes diverse worldviews and more-than-human agency. Current scholarship lacks practical tools to operationalize ontology in decision-making domains, limiting responsiveness to ontological power imbalances and epistemological diversity. Methods This study employs an interdisciplinary theoretical synthesis drawing from philosophy, anthropology, neuroscience, political ecology, and critical pedagogy. Through a comprehensive literature review and peer-refined conceptual development, it distinguishes between ontological pluralism (the existence of multiple realities) and ontological diversity (intentional shared meaning-making). The research proposes “ontological literacy” as a pragmatic framework and methodological toolbox – including silhouetting, categorizing, mapping, and transforming ontology – to bridge these concepts. Results The framework for ontological literacy outlines four overlapping core commitments: ontological descentering, ontological awareness, planetary purpose, and regenerative action. These commitments enable practitioners to identify worldview-based conflicts, engage respectfully with alternative ontologies, acknowledge non-human agency, and design interventions that resonate across diverse stakeholders. This approach facilitates “root-streaming” sustainability, embedding ontological considerations deeply within educational and policy frameworks rather than merely mainstreaming compliance-based measures. Conclusions Integrating ontological literacy into environmental education and transdisciplinary practices allows the integration of more-than-human perspectives within policy, education and research spaces in the EU. By translating abstract philosophical concepts into actionable pedagogical tools, ontological literacy addresses systemic crises through holistic, embodied intervention and meaningful engagement to honour the plurality of worlds coexisting on our shared planet.