What is Realism in Philosophy

Realism is a philosophical current that seeks to understand the nature of reality and the existence of objects independent of the human mind. In philosophy, realism is one of the main ontological approaches, which is opposed to idealism and nominalism. In this glossary, we will explore in detail what realism is in philosophy, its main characteristics and how it has developed throughout history.

Origins and Development of Realism

Realism in philosophy has its roots in Ancient Greece, with philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. Plato defended the existence of a world of ideas, where objects in the physical world were just imperfect copies. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that reality consisted of individual and concrete objects.

However, it was in the Middle Ages that realism developed more systematically. Philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas argued that reality existed independently of the human mind and that knowledge could be acquired through observation and reason.

Main Characteristics of Realism

Realism in philosophy has some fundamental characteristics. Firstly, he defends the existence of an objective reality, which exists independently of the human mind. This means that objects and events have a concrete existence independent of our perception.

Furthermore, realism also emphasizes the importance of observation and experience as sources of knowledge. For realists, knowledge is acquired through interaction with the physical world and empirical investigation of phenomena.

Another characteristic of realism is the belief in the existence of natural laws that govern the functioning of the universe. These laws are considered immutable and independent of human will.

Realism and Idealism

Realism in philosophy is opposed to idealism, which argues that reality is constructed by the human mind. While idealists argue that reality is subjective and depends on individual perception, realists believe that reality exists independently of our consciousness.

This fundamental difference between realism and idealism has important implications in several areas of knowledge, such as philosophy of science and epistemology. While realists seek an objective understanding of reality, idealists emphasize the importance of subjectivity and the social construction of knowledge.

Realism and Nominalism

Another philosophical current that opposes realism is nominalism. While realists believe in the existence of individual, concrete objects, nominalists argue that only names and concepts have a real existence.

For nominalists, objects are just mental abstractions and do not have an existence independent of the human mind. This view contrasts with realism, which defends the existence of concrete, mind-independent objects.

Realism in Contemporary Philosophy

Realism in philosophy continues to be an important current today. In contemporary philosophy, there are different realistic approaches, such as scientific realism and metaphysical realism.

Scientific realism argues that science is capable of providing an objective and accurate description of reality. He argues for the existence of unobservable entities, such as subatomic particles and electromagnetic fields, which are fundamental to understanding the physical world.

On the other hand, metaphysical realism seeks to understand the nature of reality on a more fundamental level. It investigates ontological questions such as the existence of universals and the relationship between mind and matter.

Importance of Realism in Philosophy

Realism in philosophy plays a fundamental role in the search for objective knowledge and understanding the nature of reality. It allows us to investigate and understand the world around us in a systematic, evidence-based way.

Furthermore, realism also influences other areas of knowledge, such as science and ethics. The belief in the existence of an objective reality is essential for the development of science, which seeks to describe and explain natural phenomena in a precise and objective way.

Criticisms of Realism

Despite its importance, realism in philosophy also faces criticism and challenges. Some philosophers argue that realism is unable to explain the nature of consciousness and the relationship between mind and matter.

Furthermore, realism can also be questioned regarding its ability to provide a complete and accurate description of reality. Some philosophical currents, such as constructivism, argue that reality is socially constructed and depends on human interpretation.

Conclusion

Realism in philosophy is a current that seeks to understand the nature of reality and the existence of objects independent of the human mind. He emphasizes the importance of observation and experience as sources of knowledge and defends the existence of natural laws that govern the universe.

Despite its criticisms and challenges, realism continues to be an important philosophical current today, influencing areas such as science and ethics. His search for objective knowledge and understanding of reality contributes to the advancement of human thought.