Idealism vs. Realism: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 7, 2024
Idealism emphasizes ideas, values, and possibilities, while Realism focuses on practicality, facts, and the existing state of affairs.
Key Differences
Idealism is a philosophical doctrine asserting that reality is mentally constructed or immaterial. Realism, by contrast, posits that reality exists independently of the mind.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
Idealism often involves the pursuit of perfection or high ideals, sometimes at the expense of practicality. Realism is more about accepting and dealing with the world as it is, not as it should be.
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Jan 07, 2024
In Idealism, the focus is on potential and what could be, encouraging optimism and creativity. Realism, however, stresses the limitations and constraints of the actual world.
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Jan 07, 2024
Idealism can lead to visionary innovations and profound changes in thinking. Realism, on the other hand, often results in pragmatic solutions and stability.
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Jan 07, 2024
Idealism is associated with a belief in moral or ethical principles as guiding forces. Realism tends to prioritize self-interest and survival in a competitive world.
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Jan 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Nature of Reality
Reality is subjective, mentally constructed
Reality is objective, independent of thoughts
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Approach to Problems
Visionary, imaginative solutions
Pragmatic, realistic solutions
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Outlook
Optimistic about human nature and potential
Cautious, often skeptical about human nature
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In Arts
Emphasis on symbolic, abstract representation
Representation of everyday, mundane reality
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Perception of Change
Sees change as driven by ideas and values
Views change as a response to real conditions
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Idealism and Realism Definitions
Idealism
Philosophical belief that ideas are the only true reality.
Plato's theory of forms is a classic example of idealism.
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Realism
Representation in art or literature of objects as they really are.
The novel's realism brought the struggles of everyday life into sharp focus.
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Dec 20, 2023
Idealism
A theory that reality is mentally constructed.
In his idealism, he believed the world could be shaped by positive thoughts.
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Dec 20, 2023
Realism
Practical acceptance of the physical and factual nature of life.
Her realism was evident in her pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
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Dec 20, 2023
Idealism
The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal and often impractical form.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
Philosophical belief in the reality of the world as it appears.
Aristotle's teachings often reflected a strong sense of realism.
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Dec 20, 2023
Realism
A view that the external world exists independently of perception.
His realism led him to focus on concrete evidence rather than speculation.
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Idealism
(Philosophy) The theory that the object of external perception, in itself or as perceived, consists of ideas.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
The representation in art or literature of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are, without idealization or presentation in abstract form.
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Dec 13, 2023
Idealism
The property of a person of having high ideals that are usually unrealizable or at odds with practical life.
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Realism
The scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.
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Idealism
The practice or habit of giving or attributing ideal form or character to things; treatment of things in art or literature according to ideal standards or patterns;—opposed to realism.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
The modern philosophical doctrine, opposed to idealism, that objects exist independently of their being perceived.
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Dec 13, 2023
Idealism
(philosophy) An approach to philosophical enquiry, which asserts that direct and immediate knowledge can only be had of ideas or mental pictures.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
A concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary.
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Realism
(sciences) The viewpoint that an external reality exists independent of observation.
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Idealism
The system or theory that denies the existence of material bodies, and teaches that we have no rational grounds to believe in the reality of anything but ideas and their relations.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
(philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.
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Dec 13, 2023
Idealism
The practice or habit of giving or attributing ideal form or character to things; treatment of things in art or literature according to ideal standards or patterns; - opposed to realism.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
As opposed to nominalism, the doctrine that genera and species are real things or entities, existing independently of our conceptions. According to realism the Universal exists ante rem (Plato), or in re (Aristotle).
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Idealism
A belief in the feasibility of the implementation of ideal principles and noble goals, and the practice or habit of pursuing such goals; - opposed to realism and cynicism.
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without idealization, and making no appeal to the imagination; adherence to the actual fact.
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Dec 13, 2023
Idealism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
The practise of assessing facts and the probabilities of the consequences of actions in an objective manner; avoidance of unrealistic or impractical beliefs or efforts. Contrasted to idealism, self-deception, overoptimism, overimaginativeness, or visionariness.
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Idealism
Impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are
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Realism
The attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
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Dec 13, 2023
Idealism
Elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical object continue to exist when not perceived
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Idealism
Pursuit of high or noble principles, purposes, goals.
Her idealism led her to work tirelessly for social justice.
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Realism
The state of being actual or real;
The reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
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Idealism
Naive quality of unrealistic optimism.
His idealism often blinded him to the practical challenges of his plans.
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Dec 20, 2023
Realism
An artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description
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Idealism
Artistic or literary style focusing on ideal representation.
The painting's idealism depicted a perfect, utopian world.
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Dec 20, 2023
Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names
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Dec 13, 2023
Realism
Attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is.
His realism about the project's limitations saved the team from overcommitting.
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Dec 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is idealism?
Idealism is a philosophical approach that posits reality is fundamentally mental or ideal in nature.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do idealists view the world?
Idealists view the world as a construct of the mind, focusing on possibilities, ideals, and moral principles.
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Jan 07, 2024
What is realism?
Realism is a philosophical and practical stance that emphasizes the independent existence of the physical world and practical considerations.
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What role does idealism play in education?
In education, idealism emphasizes moral and character development, and the pursuit of intellectual ideals.
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What is the realist perspective on reality?
Realists believe in an objective reality that exists independently of human perceptions or beliefs.
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Can idealism and realism coexist?
While contrasting, idealism and realism can coexist, with individuals balancing aspirational goals with practical realities.
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Jan 07, 2024
Do idealism and realism differ in art?
Yes, in art, idealism often represents subjects in idealized forms, while realism focuses on accurate, everyday depictions.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do idealism and realism differ in politics?
In politics, idealism focuses on visionary goals and ethical governance, while realism is more about power dynamics and practical strategies.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do idealists handle challenges?
Idealists tend to approach challenges with optimism, focusing on what should be rather than what is.
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Jan 07, 2024
What impact does idealism have on society?
Idealism can inspire societal changes and reforms based on ethical and moral principles.
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Jan 07, 2024
Is realism pessimistic?
Realism isn't inherently pessimistic; it's more about being pragmatic and grounded in reality.
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Jan 07, 2024
What types of realism are there?
There are several types, including scientific realism (the world described by science is real) and moral realism (moral facts exist independently).
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Jan 07, 2024
How does realism affect decision-making?
Realism affects decision-making by focusing on facts, evidence, and the practical implications of choices.
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Are there different forms of idealism?
Yes, there are various forms, including subjective idealism (mind-centered reality) and objective idealism (universal ideas form reality).
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Jan 07, 2024
What is the role of realism in international relations?
In international relations, realism emphasizes national interest, power, and the inherent nature of international anarchy.
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Jan 07, 2024
How does realism interpret human nature?
Realists tend to have a more cautious view of human nature, often focusing on self-interest and survival instincts.
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Jan 07, 2024
Is idealism always impractical?
Not necessarily; idealism can lead to practical and transformative actions when tempered with realism.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do realists approach problems?
Realists approach problems pragmatically, considering actual conditions and limitations.
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Jan 07, 2024
Can someone be both an idealist and a realist?
Individuals can blend both perspectives, using idealism to set goals and realism to navigate practicalities.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do idealists view human nature?
Idealists often have a positive view of human nature, believing in the potential for goodness and moral improvement.
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Jan 07, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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