Essentialist Approach Research Articles

”It’s like being chained up“: the oral mucositis experiences of children and young people with cancer, their parents, and healthcare professionals– a qualitative study

ObjectiveThe objective is to explore the experiences of children and young people (CYP) with cancer, their parents, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in their care of oral mucositis.DesignA qualitative study...

Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity: A Comparative Study of Rabia al-Adawiyya and Catherine of Genoa

The mystical experiences in various forms are fundamental to major religious traditions. The idea of “mysticism” brings up the concept of the ineffable mysterium, which is seen as the central theme around which religions are based. The comparative studies of Rabia al-Adawiyya and Catherine of Genoa do not intend, as with phenomenological and essentialist approaches to the study of religion, to only focus on the similarities of the mystics in order to find universal structures and essential meanings. Nor does it seek to concentrate solely on the differences between the mystics as done by constructivist scholars. Instead, the comparative methodology used in this article highlights the similarities and differences between the respective mystics, Rabia and Catherine, and uses these comparisons to draw attention to an example of interreligious spirituality that cuts across religious traditions. To illustrate this point, it helps to compare two mystics: Rabia from the Islamic tradition and Catherine from the Christian tradition. This study is structured in four parts: an introduction to the concept of mystical experiences, a brief overview of the lives of Rabia and Catherine, a comparative analysis of their mystical characteristics, and a discussion of how their experiences can serve as a model for interreligious spirituality and friendship.

Natures, ideas, and essentialism in Kant

Despite recent essentialist approaches to Kant’s laws of nature, it is unclear whether Kant’s critical philosophy is compatible with core tenets of essentialism. In this paper, I first reconstruct Kant’s position by identifying the key metaphysical and epistemological features of his notion of ‘nature’ or ‘essence’. Two theses about natures can be found in the literature, namely that they are noumenal in character (noumenal thesis) and that they guide scientific investigation as regulative ideas of reason (regulative thesis). I argue that Kant’s notion of nature does not entail the noumenal thesis and, based on his model of causal explanation, I propose a novel, phenomenal thesis, that allows for a better understanding of the function of natures as regulative ideas. In the last part of the paper, I show that Kant’s ‘essentialism’ is a genuine form of essentialism committed to de re modality, although it differs in several respects from major contemporary essentialist accounts. I conclude by suggesting that Kant’s essentialism (if appropriately updated) can be relevant to the contemporary debate, which has so far been dominated by Humean and Aristotelian proposals.

CROSS-DRESSING IN CONTEMPORARY BRITISH FEMINIST THEATRE

Sex and gender are two concepts that are often unconsciously used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. They are crucial in understanding the gender hierarchy or the distinction between man and woman created by the patriarchal order. While sex refers to a biological difference or an innate existence based on signs such as chromosomes and genitals, gender is a socio-cultural identity subsequently acquired through a social interaction. While the biology-oriented approach reduces femininity and masculinity to the body based on an essentialist approach, the socio-culture oriented approach underlines that femininity and masculinity are culturally constructed, fluid, and changeable. The gender roles assigned to man and woman in the patriarchal society bring along certain expectations based their sexes and their society’s values and beliefs about gender. The fact that both woman and man are expected to wear appropriate dresses for their gender roles is the reflection of this expectation. When a man wears clothing traditionally associated with women or when a woman wears clothing traditionally associated with men, they might face ridicule or criticism because these clothing choices challenge established gender norms, and because the clothes are reminders of roles, symbols that favour social roles. Contrary to this, cross-dressing is described as an act of wearing clothing and accessories that belong to the opposite sex, and it is possible to see its examples as a deconstructive strategy in contemporary British feminist theatre. This article aims at discussing the functions of cross-dressing as a body memory in contemporary British feminist theatre over selected plays such as Caryl Churchill’s Cloud Nine (1979) and Top Girls (1982), Timberlake Wertenbaker’s New Anatomies (1984), and Moira Buffini’s Silence (1999).

The Authenticity of Organizational-Level Visual Identity in the Context of Strategic Communication

ABSTRACT With the purpose of addressing authenticity as a central concept for organizational-level visual identity, the paper contributes to growing scholarly interest in the role of symbols and images in the context of strategic communication. The paper theoretically and empirically explores conceptualizations and assumptions related to visual identity authenticity. Theoretically, it demonstrates how the dominant approach to authenticity rests on three interrelated assumptions: that a real organizational identity essence exists; that it can and should be aligned with a corresponding visual identity; and that such visual identity can transmit the essence as part of strategic communication. However, additional approaches to authenticity challenge and nuance the essentialist approach by operating with alternative, processual assumptions related to the nature of organizational identity, visual identity, and strategic communication. Empirically, the paper develops the identified theoretical approaches though practitioner insights. In particular, the empirical work consists of interviews with ten agency strategists focused on how they understand visual identity authenticity. Combined, the theoretical and empirical work offer a complex perspective on organizational-level visual identity authenticity, which goes beyond the essentialist approach by adding dynamic, aspirational, and consumer-driven approaches. These different approaches, in turn, have distinctive implications for visual strategic communication.

En una palabra. <i>Entrevista</i>. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak con Ellen Rooney

In this interview, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak revisits the debate between essentialism and anti-essentialism by reconsidering various theoretical frameworks she has engaged with over her intellectual journey. These frameworks include deconstruction, Marxism, and feminisms, alongside reflections on the role of philosophy. One key focus of her reflection is the concept of strategic essentialism in understanding social movements, diverging from her previous stances. Spivak suggests viewing it as an ongoing critique of essentialist approaches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining critical, strategic, and indispensable elements within a minimalizable essence. She also stresses the significance of authorial positioning and autobiographical narratives, drawing on childhood lessons. She explores teaching as a practice that can convey the impossibility of fixed essences rather than engaging in theoretical debates. She examines her own place within the Subaltern Studies Group and the political connotations of the “Third World.” Towards the end, she delves into the practical perspective on essences concerning empirical realities and the dynamic between researchers and their audiences.

Is there a culture of political violence in the Basque Country?

An analytical tradition considers political violence linked to ethno-nationalist claims from a culturalist approach, which intends to offer a relevant interpretative model. This article aims to test this type of approach to the conflict in the Basque Country. In order to examine the validity of this interpretative model, we conducted a qualitative sociological survey among 73 former clandestine militants. The empirical data allow us to conclude that a culturalist and essentialist approach of the use of political violence in this case is irrelevant. On the other hand, we will show the interest of an analysis of the symbolic production of armed groups that gives a prominent place to the motives of resistance and national liberation.

Still Here? Aging Female Vocalities in Musical Theatre.

Musical theatre has a complex relationship with ageing (and especially female ageing). As youth has always been at the forefront of musicals, essentialist approaches to ageing in articulation and enactment of ageing musical characters often lead to aesthetic peripheries and creative stagnation. Aiming for a deeper understanding of how female ageing vocalities are perceived, dramaturged and performed in musical theatre, the article takes under consideration viewpoints from ‘outsiders’/ageing performers who work ‘at the centre’ of the musical theatre industry (West End and Broadway).Through a close analysis of two ageing female characters (Madame Armfeldt and Grandma) in the musicals A Little Night Music and Billy Elliot, this article discusses and critiques preconceptions of ageing in the dramaturgy and performance of these roles, and it argues that musicals frequently fail to give agency to the voice of their ageing women.

'It sort of broke me': A thematic analysis of the psychological experiences and coping strategies employed by Australian fire-affected farmers.

People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities. To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales. Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long-term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery-focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self-regulate emotions. This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.

The power of ideas in the AKP-Gülen fight

ABSTRACT This article argues that the scholarly vigilance against the ‘culture talk’ should not behold the studies over the Middle East, Islam, and Islamism from studying ideas. There has been a significant progress in recent years to overcome essentialist approaches to Islam, Muslims, and the region. Instead of explaining all issues that are related to Muslims with the unchanging and archaic nature of Islam or Islamic culture, there are increasingly more studies that bring economic, political, and historical context to forefront. Yet, without falling into the culturalist trap, ideas can play a significant role in explaining the real world. By using the case of the conflict between the Justice and Development Party and the Gülen Movement (GM), this study shows the causal role of ideas in interplay with material environment.

Social constructivism as an answer to the essentialist view on psychopatology

The main goal of this article is to introduce the essentialist and reductionist approach to psychopathology and to review the disadvantages of this approach. On the other hand, the goal is also to present another perspective of social constructivism, and explore the consequences of both approaches on society, and vice versa. Also, it was discussed the power of the currently dominant categorical essentialist approach to psychopathology and the reasons for its sustainability. The final goal of this article is to open space for discussion about different conceptualizations of psychopathology and their implications.

Essentialist Identity and Political Instability in Africa: The Role of John Rawls Veil of Ignorance

Africa has a complex history of conflicts that spans centuries and is shaped by a variety of factors, including colonialism, ethnicism and tribal tensions, economic disparities, and political instability. These factors have led to the continuous underdevelopment of Africa. At the root of this political instability is essentialist approach to Identity. A situation where individuals solely pitch their loyalty to their ethnic group rather than the common good. The “Them versus us” mindset. This study sets to primarily answer two questions: how does the essentialist approach to identity cause political instability in Africa? How can John Rawls concept of the Veil of Ignorance help in mitigating this situation? Hence, the paper, through the method of critical analysis, examines the history of political instability in Africa, with a particular focus in Nigeria. It reveals that essentialist approach to identity in Africa has been the major propelleant of political instability. This births a situation where leaders who are incompetent remain at the corridors of power even when they grossly underperform, simply due to their affiliation to a tribe or faith with a population advantage. Also, through a hermenutical analysis of John Rawls’ concept of the Veil of Ignorance, the paper reveals that the concept, given its advocacy for a mental attitude that deemphasizes differences and focuses on the common good, can serve as an effective tool in mitigating against political instability in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Norms and necessity: replies to critics

ABSTRACT The critics in this volume raise several important challenges to the modal normativist position developed in Norms and Necessity, including whether the relation I claim holds between semantic rules and necessity claims generates spurious claims of metaphysical necessity, whether the view is circular (implicitly relying on a more 'robust' form of modal realism), and whether it conflicts with truth-conditional semantics. They also raise probing questions about how it compares to other views of modality, including a Lewisian view and an essentialist view. In these replies, I respond to these challenges in ways that precisify the relevant understanding of ‘semantic rules' and the forms they can take, that make clearer the direction of explanation in modal normativism in ways that show the view doesn't rely on a more ‘robust’ form of modal realism, and that give reason for thinking that there is actually no conflict between modal normativism and truth-conditional semantics. I also aim to give a fuller assessment of how it compares to other approaches to modality, including an essentialist approach.

Judicial search for a legal definition of religion

A prerequisite for the proper application of the law is a certain definition of the terms used in the law. A variable definition of a concept undermines the requirement of legal certainty, and an overly narrow or broad definition of a concept (compared with the general idea of its content) may lead to doubts about the fairness of legal regulation. Although the legal system uses the term “religion” relatively frequently, it does not generally define it explicitly. In most cases, this does not cause problems because there is no reasonable doubt as to whether we are dealing with a religious element. In hard cases, however, there is no choice but to decide where to draw the line between religion and other types of beliefs. The alternative is to stop distinguishing between them, thus depriving the religious element of its special legal status. The social sciences distinguish four basic approaches to the definition of a religious phenomenon. The substantive definition seeks to capture the content that a particular belief must satisfy in order to be labelled religious. The essentialist approach emphasises the experience of the believer. The functionalist definition notes the function that religion serves in the life of the believer. The analogical approach does not seek to capture the essence of religion but rather notes its manifestations and what different religions have in common. This article offers examples of the application of these theoretical approaches in jurisprudential practice. It also highlights the fact that courts work flexibly with the concept of religion and often give it a different content depending on the context under consideration.

Predication and truthmaking: an improvement on the essentialist approach to truthmaking

Predication and truthmaking: an improvement on the essentialist approach to truthmaking

Intersectionality in CACREP-Accredited Rehabilitation Counselor Education: An Analysis of Multicultural Counseling Course Syllabi

Though the importance of the inclusion of multicultural and social justice competencies in rehabilitation counselor education has been attended to for years, we know little about the content, concepts, activities, and assignments included in multicultural counseling courses. This mixed-methods study analyzed 25 multicultural counseling syllabi from CACREP-accredited rehabilitation counseling programs. Results indicated that nearly half of the multicultural counseling syllabi analyzed took an essentialist approach to educate future rehabilitation counselors. Very few syllabi mentioned the immigrant and refugee experience, and no syllabi exploredsize diversity and/or anti-fat bias. Class assignments and activities assigned exercises focused largely on students’ racial and ethnic identities. Additionally, results showed a common theme of ethnographic interviews, cultural site visits, and cultural immersion exercises. A call to action for counselor educators is included.

The Boundaries of Legal Personhood: Disability, Gender and the Cyborg

By considering the death of the disability activist Engracia Figueroa as the consequence of her wheelchair being damaged by an airline, this article asks whether law could accommodate a definition of legal personhood that encompasses the possibility of bodies augmented by prosthetics, technology, and mobility aids. The use of mobility aids by disabled people and the role of prosthetic penises in so-called ‘gender fraud’ cases offer two useful provocations to consider the ways in which legal personhood, if defined as largely mapping on to an ideal, normative body, is becoming an increasingly inadequate legal concept in the modern age. Drawing on the work of Donna Haraway and the figure of the cyborg, this article argues that a more protean, flexible, and fluctuating understanding of legal personhood would offer both a more accurate and utopian conception of the body in law than the current essentialist approach found in a number of legal areas and particularly in English criminal law.

Editorial Presentation: Critical perspectives in social innovation, social enterprise and/or the social solidarity economy

Editorial Presentation: Critical perspectives in social innovation, social enterprise and/or the social solidarity economy

A Peculiar Kind of Particularity: Plants and Animals in Marianne Moore’s Early Poetry

As an undergraduate studying biology at Bryn Mawr College in the messy aftermath of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Marianne Moore found herself surrounded by renowned biologists like Thomas Hunt Morgan, Jacques Loeb, Nettie Maria Stevens, and David Hilt Tennent – all of whom were highly invested in debates concerning the epistemological validity of empiricist and essentialist approaches to the natural world. As her biology class manuscripts reveal, these debates had a profound influence on Moore’s early poetry (1908–1924), especially when it involved plants and animals. Eager to perceive other living organisms with precision, Moore rejected the demands of wider vision and focused her inquisitive intensity on the particular properties of individuals. The more that Moore attended to these particulars in her poetry, the more pressure she was able to place on the categorical structures that biologists impose upon organisms for the sake of a stable scientific nomenclature.

Энергия «проклятой стороны вещей»

The concept of "energy" formed the basis of numerous concepts of European philosophy: from Aristotle to J. Baudrillard. Beginning with Aristotle, the concept of energy refers to being in its statics and becoming. The ancient and medieval theories of energy are developed within the framework of the essentialist approach. According to this approach, the world is a system of emerging, developing and collapsing things. Energy is movement. This ontological approach to the study of the problem of energization of developmental processes in modern times has practically disappeared from the writings of philosophers. It has been replaced by physicalist energyism. Energy is the potential for things to move. In the 20th century, the issue of energy is again updated in all its aspects. The French philosopher J. Baudrillard considers such a source of energy, which he calls the "principle of Evil." This is the principle of destruction, destruction, which keeps systems alive. Baudrillard describes the mechanism for generating energy, which he calls the energy of the "damned side of things": inside the system there are asystem elements that resist centripetal forces, giving life to centrifugal forces. The cursed side of a thing releases energy for the construction of new elements of the system, but this energy is produced by those processes that are condemned by society. The French philosopher comes to the conclusion that various types of destruction are necessary for systems to survive. The destruction of a part of the system allows it to develop immunity, teaches the system more complex behavior when adapting to the environment. According to the philosopher, systems oriented towards stability as a heavenly artificial state, paradoxically turn into an "artificial hell" and tend to death.