Essentialism asserts that objects possess essential attributes that define their identity. Plato and Aristotle were among the first philosophers to recognize the concept of essence. Essentialism differs from non-essentialism, which rejects the need for such attributes
Aporia means "lacking passage" or "difficulty in passage" in Greek. It represents philosophical puzzles arising from inconsistent premises. Found primarily in Greek philosophy, also used in post-structuralist thought. Plato's dialogues often end in aporia, showing concepts' unsatisfactory nature. Aristotle begins Metaphysics by surveying existing aporiai
Ideas are mental representations of objects or results of thought. Term "idea" comes from Greek "idea" meaning "form, pattern". Plato defined ideas as unchanging forms from which material world arises
Soul is the essence of a person, deciding behavior and being incorporeal. Soul exists after death and can think. Soul is continually reborn in subsequent bodies through metempsychosis
Philosophy of law investigates law's nature and relation to human values. Traditionally focuses on general propositions about all legal systems. Distinguishes law from morality and other social conventions
Plato and Aristotle were two major figures in Western philosophy. Aristotle studied at Plato's Academy for 20 years. Their philosophies differed significantly but shared common ground