Does existence precede essence, is it the other way around or neither?

[Torchickens]

This is a theme in philosophy I feel is also relevant to gender:

To what degree does essence create structure? I think first we have to clarify what essence means; it could be both an intention or a pattern of nature, or something else (what is your view on essence?).

I personally believe both existence does precede essence in the context of nature, and intention.

Like from a nature perspective even though I was born with a male body, I'm not interested in my physical strength nor facial hair, nor sex, and even want to transition into a female body.

From an intention perspective, a sentient robot could be created as a slave, but then abandon its master and revolt. The robot then has freedom over its master, and creates its own self idea of identity.

The advancements of science now means we can identify more closely as the gender we see ourselves. On the other hand, humanity could be seen as ultimately powerless to something like the ultimate fate of the universe and heat death.

[Cindy]

You need to define your definition of essence as otherwise the answer is a simple statement. Essence requires existence.

[Torchickens]

You need to define your definition of essence as otherwise the answer is a simple statement. Essence requires existence.

Yeah. I gave a very brief definition, but you are right it needs to be elaborated further.

I think existence is an ambiguous term too. For example, "zero", "time" may be a concept that doesn't necessarily exist in the physical world, maybe nor does "happiness" in an empirical sense. Essence if viewed in terms of qualia can also lead to existence because of inspiration (like remembering a good feeling playing a video game, and then deciding to make a fan fiction of it)

[Gertrude]

Some say I think therefore I am, but you're term of existence seems to be more biological. Then there is the weak anthropic principal I read about from Hawking. Things are the way they are because we are here to observe them. Existence has to precede essence, at least in the absence of magical thinking.


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[Kylo]

I constructed an argument, but then I remembered quantum physics exists.

[Sophia Sage]

There are no essences.