Essentialism is a belief that things possess what kind of characteristics?

Essentialism is the philosophical belief that things, including individuals and groups, possess inherent, defining traits that form their essence. This perspective suggests that certain characteristics are intrinsic to an object or a being and are what make them fundamentally what they are. For example, in discussing different cultures or identities, essentialism posits that there are specific, unchanging characteristics that define those entities.

In the context of art, essentialism can influence how we interpret the qualities of artworks and the identities of artists. The idea asserts that artworks may embody specific traits that are universally recognizable or understood, which could reinforce stereotypes or assumptions about certain styles or movements.

The other options reflect different philosophical stances. Changeable features based on perception highlight a relativistic view, suggesting that the understanding of characteristics varies with individual interpretation. Characteristics based purely on cultural interpretation emphasize the role of social context in defining meaning. Characteristics influenced by external factors suggest that traits evolve based on environmental changes, trends, or pressures rather than being fixed. These positions diverge from the essentialist viewpoint, which maintains that core attributes remain constant regardless of external influences.