-chəˌlizəm noun
( -s )
1. : a philosophic theory significantly concerned with and especially based on a conception of essence or essential things: as
a. : a theory subscribing to the idea that metaphysical essences really subsist and are intuitively accessible — compare realism
b. : a theory that assigns priority to essence over existence — contrasted with existentialism
2. : an educational theory holding that certain basic ideas and skills or disciplines essential to our culture are formulable and should be taught to all alike by certain time-tested methods — contrasted with progressivism