Translational roots of western essentialism

This chapter explores the translational processes which, in a range of languages historically influenced by Latin, have led to the strong entrenchment of the concepts of SUBSTANCE and ESSENCE. Expression such as “essential characteristics” or “a substantial contribution” reveal a linguistic worldview in which defining qualities are conceptualized as objects of inherent possession. It is argued that emergence and spread of this worldview may be connected to particular interpretation of a key Aristotelian term ousia, translated into Latin as substantia and essentia, in the course of religious debates. The translational journey of ousia in dominant Western metaphysics demonstrates the power of translation in propagating worldviews which, once sufficiently entrenched, are not easily challenged.