Essentialism vs. Existentialism — What's the Difference?

It implies predetermined roles and identities

Existentialism argues existence precedes essence

Essentialism posits that entities have an intrinsic nature

Reflected in flexible, student-centered education

Seen in educational curriculums focusing on core knowledge

Emphasizes individual choice and freedom

Emphasizes universal truths across entities

Values personal experience over universal truths

Often associated with natural and social order

Associated with the freedom to create one's identity

Essentialism is the view that objects have a set of attributes that are necessary to their identity. In early Western thought, Plato's idealism held that all things have such an "essence"—an "idea" or "form".

Existentialism ( or ) is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the problem of human existence and centers on the experience of thinking, feeling, and acting. In the view of the existentialist, the individual's starting point has been called "the existential angst," a sense of dread, disorientation, confusion, or anxiety in the face of an apparently meaningless or absurd world.

The philosophical tenet that objects and classes of objects have essential and not merely accidental characteristics.

A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.

(philosophy) The view that objects have properties that are essential to them.

A twentieth-century philosophical movement emphasizing the uniqueness of each human existence in freely making its self-defining choices.

(education) The doctrine that there are certain traditional concepts, values, and skills that are essential to society and should be taught to all students.

The philosophical views of a particular thinker associated with the existentialist movement.

A lifestyle that seeks to minimize nonessentials in order to focus on what is important.

A philosophical theory or attitude having various interpretations, generally emphasising the existence of the individual as a unique agent with free will and responsibility for his or her own acts, though living in a universe devoid of any certain knowledge of right and wrong; from one's plight as a free agent with uncertain guidelines may arise feelings of anguish. Existentialism is concerned more with concrete existence rather than abstract theories of essences; is contrasted with rationalism and empiricism; and is associated with Kierkegaard, Heidegger and Sartre, as well as others.

(philosophy) The theory that human beings are by nature (i.e. essentially) good and that evil is the product of society.

(philosophy) a 20th-century philosophical movement; assumes that people are entirely free and thus responsible for what they make of themselves

Essentialism believes in a predefined essence for entities, while existentialism posits that existence comes first and essence is defined through individual choices.

Essentialism sees human nature as predetermined, while existentialism believes it's shaped by personal choices and experiences.

While they offer contrasting views, some integrate both to navigate between determinism and freedom of choice, acknowledging innate tendencies while embracing the capacity for change.

Freedom is central to existentialism, emphasizing the individual's power to define their essence through choices, against essentialism’s notion of a fixed nature.

Existentialism is often seen as more empowering, offering optimism through the belief in personal agency and the ability to shape one's destiny, in contrast to essentialism's more deterministic outlook.

Essentialism advocates for a structured curriculum focusing on core knowledge, whereas existentialism promotes a flexible, student-centered approach, allowing learners to explore their interests.

Yes, existentialism inherently involves a sense of responsibility, as it places the onus on individuals to create meaning and purpose in their lives through their choices.

Essentialism might imply a fixed destiny based on one's essence, whereas existentialism believes in creating one's destiny through choices and actions.

Essentialism may limit personal development by confining individuals to predefined paths, while existentialism encourages growth through exploration and choice.

Essentialism can reinforce traditional roles and identities by suggesting they are inherent and unchangeable, unlike existentialism which promotes individual freedom in defining roles.

Essentialism might lean towards absolute moral codes based on human essence, whereas existentialism suggests ethics are subjective, shaped by individual choice and context.

Not entirely; existentialism doesn't deny the existence of certain natural inclinations but argues that essence is ultimately defined through personal choices and actions.

Essentialism impacts education by promoting a standardized curriculum aimed at imparting a foundational body of knowledge, in contrast to existentialism's emphasis on personalizing education to fit individual learners' interests and needs.

Existentialism offers no clear path but empowers individuals to find their own meaning and purpose through lived experiences and personal values.

Essentialism views identity as largely fixed and defined by inherent traits, while existentialism sees identity as fluid, crafted through experiences and choices.