Essence was an early philosophical concept, defined by various thinkers. One of those thinkers was Aristotle.
Aristotle’s Definition of Essence
Looking back into ancient philosophy, we find Aristotle, who delved into the concept of essence. He sought to understand the base nature of things.
While the world in ancient Greece likely looked quite different, the quest for understanding the most basics of human reality continue today.
Defining Essence
Aristotle believed that every entity has an essence; and that essence is the fundamental nature that makes that entity what it is. Essence goes beyond the physical, capturing the intrinsic qualities that define an object, person or idea.
Core Components
Aristotle identified two key elements constituting essence:
- Form: Essence is tied to the unique form of a thing. This includes the inherent design that differentiates one entity from another.
- Function: Aristotle closely links essence to function. What something does, its purpose or role, plays a significant part in its essential nature.
Example: The Sunflower and the Sunflower Seed
Consider a sunflower seed. Its essence lies not just in its appearance and being known as a “sunflower seed,” but it also contains the inherent potential to grow into a sunflower.
To use this in Aristotle’s description of essence: The sunflower seed is revealed through its form (structure) and its function (grow into a flower).
Gaining Understanding
By discerning the core nature of things, one gains deeper understanding into the purpose and identity of the external entities that surround us.
Essence, according to Aristotle, is the key to unlocking the true identity of everything.