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Single Idea 15702

[from 'The Essential Child' by Susan A. Gelman, in 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.