What essential concept underlies Aristotle's view of essences and particulars?

The essence of a thing, according to Aristotle, refers to its fundamental nature or what it is at its core, while particulars are the specific instances or manifestations of those essences in the real world. Aristotle believed that essences provide the defining characteristics that determine the identity of particulars. For instance, the essence of being a "dog" encompasses the qualities that make something a dog, which can then apply to numerous individual dogs with their unique traits. Thus, particulars are understood and categorized through the lens of their essences, which form the basis for classification and understanding in his philosophy. This relationship emphasizes that essences are not merely abstract ideas but rather foundational elements that give coherence and identity to the particulars they describe.