Inherentism, in its broadest sense, refers to the philosophical doctrine or belief that certain qualities, characteristics, or values are intrinsic or essential to something or someone, existing as a fundamental and inseparable part of their nature. It posits that these traits are not derived from external influences, social constructs, or learned experiences, but are rather an innate or built-in aspect. Often applied in ethical, theological, and philosophical contexts, Inherentism implies that these intrinsic properties are unchangeable and define the core identity or essence of the subject. The implications often lead to essentialist viewpoints, such as a belief in an unchanging human nature or the fundamental goodness of a deity.
Inherentism meaning with examples
- Critics of Inherentism in human rights argue that it wrongly assumes that all humans have predetermined rights irrespective of circumstance or cultural context. These critics highlight the variability of human needs and priorities, and the subjectivity of what rights are considered 'inherent'.
- The theologian’s argument for Inherentism in the divine being claimed that goodness was an unchangeable property. Any apparent contradictions were explained by the human limited understanding rather than a shift in God's intrinsic nature.
- Advocates for Inherentism in environmental ethics suggest that ecosystems have an intrinsic value, regardless of their use to humans. This belief is often used to justify preservation efforts to avoid ecosystem destruction.
- The philosophical debate on human nature includes Inherentism, as those with inherentist viewpoints claim that aspects such as self-preservation, empathy, and reason are intrinsic qualities of all humans that remain unchanged throughout.