Final answer:
Ontology is the study of the nature of being and existence, whereas epistemology is the branch of philosophy that focuses on knowledge and how it is acquired. The answer to the student's question is A) Ontology deals with the nature of being and existence, while epistemology focuses on the study of knowledge and how we acquire it.
Step-by-step explanation:
Agatha introduces the distinction between "ontology" and "epistemology." The correct distinction is that ontology deals with the nature of being and existence, while epistemology focuses on the study of knowledge and how we acquire it. Therefore, the answer is A) Ontology deals with the nature of being and existence, while epistemology focuses on the study of knowledge and how we acquire it.
Ontology examines what exists and the categories of being. It might explore concepts as broad as reality and existence or as specific as the existence of God, the nature of minds, or the concept of identity. On the other hand, epistemology delves into the nature and scope of knowledge, including aspects like truth, belief, and justification. It asks how we come to know things, what counts as knowledge, and the limits of our knowledge.