Winton Eliott
In philosophical terms, a variety of idealism and realism exist.
The fundamental distinction between these two theories is whether material things exist in our minds or outside of them.
According to Plato’s concept of pure idealism, physical objects exist in their most perfect form inside the human mind, while realism maintains that physical things exist independently of the human mind.
What is idealism?
Idealism is a philosophical theory that holds that physical objects do not exist independently of the human mind. According to this theory, everything in the universe is composed of mental ideas or thoughts.
Plato, one of the most famous idealists, believed that physical objects are merely imperfect copies of perfect, eternal forms that exist in a realm beyond our everyday experience.
Idealism has been influential in many fields, including art, religion, and politics.
Some notable idealists include the German philosopher Immanuel Kant and the American statesman Thomas Jefferson. While it has its opponents, idealism continues to be a significant force in philosophy and other disciplines.
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Types of idealism
There are two main types of idealism: subjective idealism and objective idealism.
Subjective Idealism
Subjective idealism, also known as solipsism, is the belief that only one’s own mind is certain to exist. This means that all other minds, and indeed all other things in the universe, could be mere illusions.
The philosopher George Berkeley was a notable proponent of subjective idealism. He argued that physical objects do not exist independently of the mind but are instead ideas in the mind of God.
Berkeley’s view is sometimes known as “immaterialism” because it denies the existence of matter.
Objective Idealism
Objective idealism is the belief that physical objects do exist, but only as ideas in mind. This means that the material world is dependent on the mind for its existence.
Plato’s theory of Forms is an example of objective idealism.
According to this theory, physical objects are imperfect copies of perfect, eternal forms that exist in a realm beyond our everyday experience. Objective idealism has been influential in art, religion, and politics.
Some notable objective idealists include the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and the American statesman Abraham Lincoln.
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What is realism?
Realism is the belief that physical objects exist independently of the human mind. This means that, according to realism, things like tables and chairs exist whether or not anyone is thinking about them.
Realists believe that we can gain knowledge about the world around us through our senses. For example, if I see a table, I can touch it and see that it is solid.
I can also look at other people touching the table, and we can all agree that it exists independently of our minds. This is opposed to idealism, which holds that objects only exist when they are being observed by a mind.
So, according to idealism, if no one is looking at the table, it would cease to exist. Realism is the more common view, and it has been influential in many areas of philosophy, such as science and mathematics.
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Types of realism
There are two main types of realism: metaphysical realism and epistemological realism.
Metaphysical Realism
Metaphysical realism is the belief that physical objects exist independently of the human mind.
This means that, according to metaphysical realism, things like tables and chairs exist whether or not anyone is thinking about them.
Metaphysical realism is the more common view, and it has been influential in many areas of philosophy, such as science and mathematics.
Epistemological Realism
Epistemological realism is the belief that we can gain knowledge about the world around us through our senses. For example, if I see a table, I can touch it and see that it is solid.
I can also look at other people touching the table, and we can all agree that it exists independently of our minds. This is opposed to idealism, which holds that objects only exist when they are being observed by a mind.
So, according to idealism, if no one is looking at the table, it would cease to exist. Epistemological realism is the more common view, and it has been influential in many areas of philosophy, such as science and mathematics.
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What is the difference between idealism and realism?
The main difference between idealism and realism is that idealism holds that physical objects do not exist independently of the human mind, while realism maintains that physical things exist independently of the human mind.
Idealism is a philosophical theory that has been influential in many fields, including art, religion, and politics.
Realism is the belief that physical objects exist independently of the human mind, and it is the more common view.
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Final thought
It is evident that both idealism and realism are rooted in different assumptions about the nature of reality. Idealists believe that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, while realists believe that it is physical.
As a result, these two schools of thought often lead to different conclusions about the nature of existence. However, it is important to note that both approaches have strengths and weaknesses.
Realism can provide a more accurate picture of the physical world, but it may fail to capture important aspects of reality that are not immediately observable.
Idealism, on the other hand, may offer a more comprehensive understanding of reality, but it runs the risk of veering into speculation.
Ultimately, the best approach is likely to be one that draws from both schools of thought, using the strengths of each to offset the weaknesses of the other.
