1The essence of human existence, according to existentialist philosophers, lies in its freedom and responsibility.
2Is it possible to capture the essence of a cultural tradition through its art and literature alone?
3The distinction between essence and existence is a central concern in the philosophy of being.
4Aristotle's concept of telos, or purpose, is closely tied to his understanding of the essence of living things.
5There is a long-standing debate in the philosophy of science about whether the essence of a natural kind can be reduced to its physical properties.