The difference between idealism and realism.

What is Realism?

Realism: “What actually is.” In contrast to idealism, realism proposes that everything simply exists. It dismisses the possibility of envisioning a flawless world devoid of evil. This viewpoint is practical and balanced, not inherently negative or pessimistic. It emphasizes a rational, comprehensive understanding of how things operate in the real world.

What is Idealism?

Idealism: The ‘what could be’ Idealism suggests that everything, including people, is a creation of our thoughts and emotions. In this view, everything sought after is just a thought, without limitations. The goal is to envision a perfect, positive world from the potential mess that exists (but isn’t actual). It’s essentially a vision where all reality is simply an idea within your mind.

Which is right: Idealism or Realism?

In philosophy, it’s not possible to definitively label a certain viewpoint as “correct.” Instead, it’s important to understand and consider all possible perspectives. Similar to how both the wave theory and the particle theory for light are valid and applied as needed, the comparison of idealism versus realism can have various implications when viewed from a balanced perspective.

Now that we have a picture of both sides of the coin, all that is left to decide is which one to side with. The classical half-filled / half-empty glass of water can prove insightful.

An idealist, the positive thinker that they are, will focus mainly on the glass being half-full, and how they could use it to their advantage while tackling a world problem.

A realist acknowledges both the positive and negative aspects of a situation and considers them when making decisions. They carefully evaluate all options before making a choice. This approach differs greatly from that of an idealist, who may prefer to remain oblivious to negative aspects in favor of finding happiness.

When embarking on your life’s mission, it’s important to have a mindset that encompasses both idealism and realism. An ideal mindset sets big goals and provides hope and motivation, while a realist mindset guides you through practical steps. It’s not necessary to fully embrace either mindset, as both have their own domains where they are applicable, similar to the wave-particle analogy. Therefore, a balanced approach that integrates both mindsets would be the most effective solution.

Be an Idealist thinker, but a Realist doer.

I should re-emphasize that both worldviews make sense, and the statement above simply seems to be the most optimal one.

Sure, here are some important distinctions between realism and idealism in philosophy.

– Realism: This philosophy posits that reality is mind-independent, existing regardless of an individual’s perception, beliefs, or ideas. Realists also believe that human behavior and decision-making are primarily influenced by self-interest, fear, and other basic passions.

– Idealism: This philosophy asserts that ideas are the only true reality, and that reality is therefore mind-dependent. Idealists believe that human behavior and decision-making are primarily influenced by altruistic or rational principles.

While realism is often considered to be closer to reality, this is a matter of ongoing debate among philosophers.

What is an example of realism in philosophy?

It is distinctly different from how the term “realism” is used in general usage.

Philosophical realism asserts that certain things exist independently of the mind, encompassing positions in epistemology and metaphysics. This includes the physical world, the past and future, other minds, and abstract concepts. Realism may also encompass positions that reject metaphysical treatments of reality.

Realism is the view that reality exists independently of the mind, while non-realist views question the certainty of anything beyond one’s own mind, such as skepticism and solipsism. Realists often claim that truth consists in a correspondence between cognitive representations and reality.

Realists believe our current understanding is only an approximation of reality and can be improved. Realism is contrasted with anti-realism in the philosophy of science.

As a philosophical idealist, I believe that even though the Universe is a manifestation of the “Absolute Idea,” it is still objectively “real,” according to Hegel’s “objective idealism.”

John Locke, a Scientific Realist, believed that the world contains only primary qualities and that other properties are subjective and depend on the perceiver. This view emerged in the 20th century as a reaction to Logical Positivism.