more from Susan A. Gelman

Single Idea 15679

[catalogued under 9. Objects / D. Essence of Objects / 14. Knowledge of Essences]

Full Idea

Essentialism has its source in the cognitive requirement of categorization in certain domains - particularly as they affect the young learner.

Gist of Idea

Essentialism comes from the cognitive need to categorise

Source

Susan A. Gelman (The Essential Child [2003], 01 'Essentialist')

Book Reference

Gelman,Susan A.: 'The Essential Child' [OUP 2005], p.7


A Reaction

I think the phenomenon is better understood as part of the cognitive requirement to understand and explain. Categorisation is just one way to aid explanation. Children try to understand (essentially) a new animal without categorisation.