西方哲學的「存有論」 (ontology) 是由亞里斯多德 (Aristotle) 所建立起的哲學探討方式。本文所進行的探討，在於嘗試分析《老子》書中是否有可以對應西方哲學中之「存有論」的哲學探討方式。本文由 C 老子) 的資料入手，並試圖自近年我國湖北省出土之郭店楚墓竹簡《老子》中，發掘出未經改動與發揮的古典哲學觀念以進行研究。經由本文的探討，吾人發現《老子》哲學中，在「存有」問題提出的要求上，表現出與亞里斯多德迥然不同的觀點。

　　　　　In western philosophy, ontology is a special investigative method established by Aristotle. This essay would like to look into whether or not the ontological method is suitable for use in analyzing the philosophy of Lao Zi. The material for this endeavor is the recently unearthed “Guo Dian” volumes of the Lao Zi found in Hubei. Through these volumes, and the use of the ontological method, we have the basis for an investigation into the philosophy of some ancient texts. It is my estimation, after going over the two texts, that there are some marked differences in the ontological philosophies of Lao Zi and Aristotle. In western philosophy, ontology is a special investigative method established by Aristotle. This essay would like to look into whether or not the ontological method is suitable for use in analyzing the philosophy of Lao Zi. The material for this endeavor is the recently unearthed “Guo Dian” volumes of the Lao Zi found in Hubei. Through these volumes, and the use of the ontological method, we have the basis for an investigation into the philosophy of some ancient texts. It is my estimation, after going over the two texts, that there are some marked differences in the ontological philosophies of Lao Zi and Aristotle.