Philosophical essentialism

Philosophical essentialism is the belief that specific categories or objects have inherent, unchanging qualities that define their true nature. For example, it suggests that a particular trait or characteristic is essential and necessary to what something is, rather than being due to external factors or individual differences. This idea often applies to ideas about human nature, where certain qualities are seen as fundamental to all humans. Essentialism emphasizes that there are fixed, real features that make things what they are, rather than attributes that can vary or be shaped by circumstances.