Origins and Identities

Abstract

Essentiality of biological origin (EBO) is defensible, but what about deviant essentialism, such as essentiality of tree branching (EBR)? Furthermore, the possibility of propagule recycling threatens to undermine EBO's motivation. Predecessor essentialism is plausible however, and it blocks recycling problems. A further merit of EBO over deviant essentialist theses is that EBO is not at odds with the idea of an open future.