Single Idea 15702

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 8. Scientific Essentialism / a. Scientific essentialism]

Full Idea

Essentialism does not entail that people know what the essence is.

Gist of Idea

Essentialism doesn't mean we know the essences

Source

Susan A. Gelman (The Essential Child [2003], 09 'Theory')

Book Reference

Gelman,Susan A.: 'The Essential Child' [OUP 2005], p.266


A Reaction

This is a fundamental and (I would say) fairly obvious point, but it needs to be made to the more passionate opponents of essentialism.