Inherence vs. Inherent

Attribute	Inherence	Inherent
Definition	The state of being inherent or intrinsic	Naturally part of something else
Origin	Middle English (in the sense ‘inherent character or quality’): from Latin inherentia, from inhaerere ‘adhere’	Middle English (in the sense ‘existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute’): from Latin inhaerent- ‘sticking in’, from the verb inhaerere
Usage	Commonly used in philosophy and theology	Commonly used in everyday language
Examples	The inherent value of human life	The inherent risks of skydiving

Definition

When discussing the attributes of inherence and inherent, it is important to first understand the definitions of these terms. Inherence refers to the quality of being inherent or permanently part of something. It is the state of being inherent, or intrinsic to the nature of something. On the other hand, inherent means existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. It is something that is inseparably associated with something else. Both terms deal with the idea of something being an essential part of another thing, but they approach it from slightly different angles.

Characteristics

One key characteristic of inherence is that it implies a sense of permanence. When something is said to be inherent, it suggests that it is a quality that is not easily changed or removed. This can be seen in the context of inherence in philosophical discussions, where it is often used to describe qualities that are fundamental to the nature of something. In contrast, inherent attributes are also considered to be permanent, essential, or characteristic, but they may not necessarily be as deeply ingrained in the nature of something as qualities described as inherent.

Examples

To better understand the difference between inherence and inherent, it can be helpful to consider some examples. An example of inherence could be the concept of beauty being inherent in a work of art. This suggests that the beauty is an essential and inseparable part of the artwork, and that it is fundamental to its nature. On the other hand, an example of an inherent attribute could be the color of an object. While the color may be a permanent and essential characteristic of the object, it may not be as deeply ingrained in its nature as the concept of beauty in a work of art.

Implications

Understanding the implications of inherence and inherent can help to shed light on their significance in various contexts. Inherence implies a sense of necessity and inevitability, suggesting that certain qualities are so deeply ingrained in something that they cannot be separated from it. This can have implications for how we perceive the nature of things and the relationships between different elements. On the other hand, inherent attributes may be seen as more flexible or subject to change, as they may not be as fundamental to the nature of something as qualities described as inherent.

Applications

Both inherence and inherent have important applications in various fields, including philosophy, law, and science. In philosophy, the concept of inherence is often used to discuss the nature of reality and the relationships between different entities. In law, inherence may be used to determine the essential qualities of a legal concept or principle. In science, inherent attributes are often studied to understand the fundamental characteristics of natural phenomena. By understanding the distinctions between inherence and inherent, we can better appreciate their roles in different areas of study.