Idealism vs. Realism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Idealism emphasizes the importance of ideas, principles, and the pursuit of perfection, often at the expense of practicality. Realism, on the other hand, focuses on the acceptance and depiction of things as they actually are.
Difference Between Idealism and Realism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Idealism and Realism are philosophical and artistic paradigms that often represent opposing viewpoints. Idealism is rooted in the belief that ideas and values are the most important components of human experience. Realism, in contrast, argues that the material world and its factual conditions should be the primary focus.
Idealism often leads to a focus on what "ought to be," elevating principles like justice, beauty, and equality. Realism, however, is more concerned with what "is," placing higher importance on observable facts and the constraints imposed by the physical world.
In the realm of art, Idealism might manifest in works that aim to capture sublime beauty or deep emotional truths. Realism, on the other hand, tends to create art that depicts life as it is, warts and all, often giving attention to everyday experiences and settings.
Idealism and Realism can also represent attitudes in politics or social policy. Idealists may advocate for sweeping changes based on moral or ethical principles, even if those changes are not immediately feasible. Realists, however, would be more inclined to focus on incremental change, assessing the limitations and opportunities presented by the current situation.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Ideas, principles, and values
Material world, facts, practicality
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Artistic Expression
Sublime beauty, emotional truths
Everyday life, as it is
In Politics
Advocates for sweeping changes
Focuses on incremental change
Approach
What "ought to be"
What "is"
Feasibility
May ignore practical limitations
Prioritizes practical limitations
Compare with Definitions
Idealism
Idealism is an artistic approach that aims to portray a perfected or noble vision.
The painter's Idealism was evident in her depiction of an idyllic countryside.
Realism
Realism is the representation or acceptance of things as they actually are.
His Realism helped him make sound business decisions based on facts.
Idealism
Idealism is a belief in the inherent goodness of people and things.
Her Idealism made her see the best in everyone.
Realism
Realism is a focus on the tangible and material over the abstract or ideal.
His Realism led him to invest in practical solutions rather than lofty ideas.
Idealism
Idealism is a philosophical stance that ideas or the mind make up the fundamental reality.
Platonic Idealism argues that abstract entities are more real than physical ones.
Realism
Realism is a philosophical view that the external world exists independently of our perceptions.
Scientific Realism holds that scientific theories represent reality as it is.
Idealism
Idealism is an optimistic outlook that views challenges as opportunities.
His Idealism often helped him turn problems into stepping stones.
Realism
Realism is a pragmatic approach that prioritizes feasibility and practicality.
Her Realism ensured the project was completed on time and within budget.
Idealism
In philosophy, idealism is a diverse group of metaphysical views which all assert that "reality" is in some way indistinguishable or inseparable from human perception and/or understanding, that it is in some sense mentally constructed, or that it is otherwise closely connected to ideas. In contemporary scholarship, traditional idealist views are generally divided into two groups.
Realism
Realism is an artistic approach that aims to depict life as it is, without idealization.
The Realism in his novel portrayed the struggles of everyday people.
Idealism
The unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfection
The idealism of youth
Realism
An inclination toward literal truth and pragmatism.
Idealism
Any of various systems of thought in which the objects of knowledge are held to be in some way dependent on the activity of mind.
Realism
The representation in art or literature of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are, without idealization or presentation in abstract form.
Idealism
The act or practice of envisioning things in an ideal and often impractical form.
Realism
The scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.
Idealism
Pursuit of one's ideals, often without regard to practical ends.
Realism
The modern philosophical doctrine, opposed to idealism, that objects exist independently of their being perceived.
Idealism
Idealized treatment of a subject in literature or art.
Realism
A concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary.
Idealism
(Philosophy) The theory that the object of external perception, in itself or as perceived, consists of ideas.
Realism
An artistic representation of reality as it is.
Idealism
The property of a person of having high ideals that are usually unrealizable or at odds with practical life.
Realism
(sciences) The viewpoint that an external reality exists independent of observation.
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.
Realism
(philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.
Idealism
(philosophy) An approach to philosophical enquiry, which asserts that direct and immediate knowledge can only be had of ideas or mental pictures.
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).
Idealism
The quality or state of being ideal.
Realism
Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without idealization, and making no appeal to the imagination; adherence to the actual fact.
Idealism
Conception of the ideal; imagery.
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.
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.
Realism
The attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
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.
Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical object continue to exist when not perceived
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.
Realism
The state of being actual or real;
The reality of his situation slowly dawned on him
Idealism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that ideas are the only reality
Realism
An artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description
Idealism
Impracticality by virtue of thinking of things in their ideal form rather than as they really are
Realism
(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names
Idealism
Elevated ideals or conduct; the quality of believing that ideals should be pursued
Idealism
Idealism is the emphasis on ideas and principles over material concerns.
His Idealism led him to fight for justice, regardless of the obstacles.
Common Curiosities
What is Idealism?
Idealism is a focus on ideas, principles, and the pursuit of perfection, often over practical concerns.
Is Idealism impractical?
Idealism may be seen as impractical when it disregards real-world limitations for the sake of principles.
Can Idealism and Realism coexist?
While often opposing, Idealism and Realism can coexist, particularly when principles are applied in a practical context.
How do Idealism and Realism differ in art?
Idealism in art aims for sublime beauty and emotional truths, while Realism depicts everyday life as it is.
Is Idealism related to optimism?
While not the same, Idealism often includes an optimistic outlook on the potential for positive change.
What is Realism?
Realism is an emphasis on accepting and depicting things as they actually are, prioritizing practicality.
Is Realism cynical?
Realism is not necessarily cynical; it focuses on practical concerns but does not preclude optimism.
How do Idealism and Realism manifest in politics?
Idealism may advocate for sweeping changes based on principles, while Realism focuses on incremental, practical changes.
Are most people either idealists or realists?
Many people have a blend of Idealistic and Realistic traits, varying by situation and context.
What are the limitations of Idealism?
Idealism can overlook practical considerations and may result in impractical or unreachable goals.
Does Realism have philosophical roots?
Yes, Realism has philosophical underpinnings that assert the existence of an external, observable reality.
What are the limitations of Realism?
Realism may neglect broader principles and values for the sake of immediate practicality.
Can Idealism lead to disappointment?
Yes, Idealism can lead to disappointment when lofty goals are not met.
Is either Idealism or Realism better?
Neither is inherently better; both have strengths and weaknesses, and their effectiveness can depend on the context.
Can Realism limit potential?
Yes, an excessive focus on Realism can limit the potential for innovative or transformative change.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
