People who believe that the universe is governed by unchanging laws are known as what?

Those who believe that the universe is governed by unchanging laws are referred to as essentialists. This philosophical viewpoint posits that certain entities have a set of characteristics that are necessary to their identity and function. Essentialists often argue that these core properties exist independently of external influences or changes, suggesting a stable and consistent order within the universe.

This notion aligns with the idea of fixed laws governing nature and humanity, indicating that certain truths and principles are absolute and can be universally applied. Essentialism often stands in contrast to more fluid philosophical schools which, for instance, might embrace contextuality, change, or subjective interpretations of knowledge and existence.

Understanding this concept helps one appreciate how various beliefs shape our understanding of the world and influence how societal rules and norms are formed.