True or False: Plato believed that there is one universal essence that applies to all concepts of beauty.

Plato indeed argued for the existence of a universal essence, particularly concerning the concept of beauty. He posited that beyond the physical manifestations of beauty in the world, there exists an ideal form or essence of beauty that transcends individual instances and is consistent across different contexts. This ideal form is part of his Theory of Forms, where he maintained that what we perceive in our sensory experiences are merely shadows or reflections of these perfect forms. As such, Plato believed that there is a singular, unchanging essence of beauty that all beautiful things share, which aligns with the idea presented in the question.

While there are other philosophical interpretations regarding beauty, Plato's view specifically emphasizes that beauty is rooted in a universal principle rather than subjective or variable across different perceptions or contexts. This foundational belief sets the stage for many discussions in aesthetics and philosophy throughout history.