Nominalism vs. Realism: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Nominalism argues that universals or abstract concepts are mere names without real existence, while Realism posits that such universals or concepts exist independently of our thoughts.
Key Differences
Nominalism asserts that abstract concepts, like 'beauty' or 'justice,' are merely names without corresponding realities in the external world. Realism, in contrast, holds that these abstract concepts have an independent existence, whether or not humans recognize them.
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In Nominalism, general terms are considered products of mental categorization and don't exist outside human perception. Realism, however, posits that these categories have an objective existence, beyond subjective human understanding.
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Nominalism views universals as linguistic constructs without intrinsic meaning, suggesting that reality consists only of particulars. Realism sees universals as fundamental components of reality, essential for understanding the nature of things.
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Nominalism can lead to skepticism about the existence of anything beyond the empirical. Realism, however, often underpins scientific and philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence and reality.
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In Nominalism, the focus is on concrete, specific entities, denying any inherent meaning to groupings or classes. Realism emphasizes the existence of properties, forms, or essences that define and unite categories or classes.
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Comparison Chart
Universals
Denies independent existence of universals.
Affirms independent existence of universals.
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Abstract Concepts
Views as mere linguistic constructs.
Believes they have objective reality.
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Philosophical Basis
Skeptical of inherent meanings or essences.
Posits inherent meanings or essences in nature.
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Implication
Reality is understood through individual entities.
Reality includes both particulars and universals.
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Nominalism and Realism Definitions
Nominalism
The doctrine that universals or general ideas are mere names without any corresponding reality.
Nominalism questions the existence of 'beauty' as an independent entity.
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Realism
The belief that abstract entities, such as numbers or properties, have a real existence.
Realism posits that mathematical truths exist independently of human minds.
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Nominalism
The view that properties, kinds, and classes are not real but merely useful linguistic constructs.
From a nominalist perspective, categories like 'color' are convenient labels, not real entities.
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Realism
The doctrine that universals have a real, independent existence in the nature of things.
Realism argues that species exist objectively, not just as human classifications.
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Nominalism
The belief that only particular things exist, not abstract entities.
In nominalism, each artwork is unique, without embodying a universal 'artistic quality'.
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Realism
The philosophical belief in the independent existence of universals or abstract qualities.
Realism supports the notion that concepts like 'justice' exist beyond human perception.
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Nominalism
A stance that specifics are the only reality and generalities are human-made concepts.
Nominalism implies that moral principles are human inventions, not objective truths.
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Realism
A view that the world consists of both particulars and universals, which are real.
In realism, the physical world and its laws have an existence independent of human beliefs.
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Nominalism
A philosophical theory that denies the existence of universal essences.
Nominalism challenges the idea of 'human nature' as a concrete, universal concept.
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Nominalism
The doctrine holding that abstract concepts, general terms, or universals have no independent existence but exist only as names.
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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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Nominalism
(philosophy) A doctrine that universals do not have an existence except as names for classes of concrete objects.
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Realism
The scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.
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Realism
The modern philosophical doctrine, opposed to idealism, that objects exist independently of their being perceived.
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Nominalism
(philosophy) the doctrine that the various objects labeled by the same term have nothing in common but their name
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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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Realism
(philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.
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Oct 19, 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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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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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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Realism
The attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
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Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical object continue to exist when not perceived
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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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Realism
An artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description
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Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names
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Realism
A philosophical stance asserting the objective existence of concepts and universals.
Realism suggests that ethical truths are real and discoverable, not just societal constructs.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What underlies the nominalist perspective?
The belief that only specific, tangible objects are real, and general concepts are human-made.
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How does realism view abstract concepts?
Realism holds that abstract concepts have an existence independent of human thought.
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Can nominalism be applied to ethics?
Yes, it suggests that moral values are not inherent but socially constructed.
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How does realism explain universals?
Realism explains universals as fundamental aspects of reality that unite different entities.
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How do nominalists view classifications like 'species'?
Nominalists see them as convenient labels, not reflecting any deeper reality.
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Does nominalism reject the existence of qualities?
It doesn't reject their existence, but views qualities as not having independent existence.
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Does realism affirm the existence of mathematical entities?
Yes, realism posits that mathematical entities exist objectively.
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Can nominalism apply to art?
Yes, it views each work of art as unique, without representing a universal aesthetic quality.
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Can realism support the concept of human nature?
Yes, realism can argue for the existence of a universal human nature.
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Is realism compatible with scientific inquiry?
Yes, realism often underpins scientific exploration of the natural world.
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How does nominalism affect our understanding of language?
It suggests that language constructs reality rather than reflects it.
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How does realism view ethical principles?
Realism often sees ethical principles as having an objective existence.
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Do nominalists accept the existence of emotions?
Yes, but they see emotions as individual experiences, not universal concepts.
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Do nominalists believe in abstract truths?
Nominalists are skeptical about abstract truths existing independently of human perception.
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Is nominalism compatible with empirical science?
Yes, as it focuses on observable, specific phenomena.
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How does nominalism interpret the concept of 'beauty'?
As a subjective label, not an objective reality.
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Can realism explain the existence of general laws?
Yes, it posits that laws, like those of physics, have an objective existence.
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Is realism limited to physical objects?
No, it extends to abstract entities like numbers, properties, and ethical truths.
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Does realism imply the existence of an ideal world?
Not necessarily, but it does assert that concepts have a reality beyond human ideas.
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Is realism a common approach in philosophy?
Yes, it's a prevalent view in many philosophical traditions.
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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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