Realism vs. Materialism — What's the Difference?

In science, the idea that theories should correspond to actual states of affairs.

In philosophy, the rejection of non-material entities.

Belief in portraying “reality” in art and literature.

In art, the focus on depicting the physical and economic conditions of life.

In philosophy, the acceptance of the existence of abstract entities.

Focus on economic and social conditions influencing culture and society.

Understanding that objects exist independently from observation.

Viewing science as a product of the material brain and historical conditions.

In international relations, the view that states act primarily in pursuit of their own self-interest.

Belief that only physical matter exists and everything arises from material interactions.

An inclination toward literal truth and pragmatism.

Materialism is a form of philosophical monism that holds that matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and that all things, including mental states and consciousness, are results of material interactions. According to philosophical materialism, mind and consciousness are by-products or epiphenomena of material processes (such as the biochemistry of the human brain and nervous system), without which they cannot exist.

The representation in art or literature of objects, actions, or social conditions as they actually are, without idealization or presentation in abstract form.

(Philosophy) The doctrine that physical matter is the only reality and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena.

The scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.

The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life.

The modern philosophical doctrine, opposed to idealism, that objects exist independently of their being perceived.

Concern for possessions or material wealth and physical comfort, especially to the exclusion of spiritual or intellectual pursuits.

A concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary.

Constant concern over material possessions and wealth; a great or excessive regard for worldly concerns.

An artistic representation of reality as it is.

(philosophy) The philosophical belief that nothing exists beyond what is physical.

(sciences) The viewpoint that an external reality exists independent of observation.

Material substances in the aggregate; matter.

(philosophy) A doctrine that universals are real—they exist and are distinct from the particulars that instantiate them.

The doctrine of materialists; materialistic views and tenets; called also philosophical materialism.

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).

The tendency to give undue importance to material interests as contrasted with spiritual concerns; devotion to the material nature and its wants.

Fidelity to nature or to real life; representation without idealization, and making no appeal to the imagination; adherence to the actual fact.

Material substances in the aggregate; matter.

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.

A desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters

The attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth

(philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality

(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that physical object continue to exist when not perceived

The state of being actual or real;

An artistic movement in 19th century France; artists and writers strove for detailed realistic and factual description

(philosophy) the philosophical doctrine that abstract concepts exist independent of their names

Realism promotes the idea that scientific theories have a true correspondence to the external world, enhancing the pursuit of objective truth.

Materialism often leads to ethical frameworks based on physical outcomes, practicality, and tangible benefits.

In some respects, yes, particularly in natural sciences where both can agree on the material basis of phenomena but differ on the existence of abstract concepts.

Realism is about the existence of reality independently of our perceptions, while materialism focuses only on physical matter as real.

Critics argue that materialism cannot adequately address non-material aspects such as emotions and consciousness fully.

Realism in international relations emphasizes practical and strategic considerations, viewing states as actors pursuing power.

Materialists generally deny the existence of an afterlife, seeing life as confined to physical existence.

Realism asserts the independent existence of the world, while idealism posits that reality is mentally constructed.

Realism in art and literature focuses on depicting life as it is, often highlighting mundane, everyday activities.

Materialism provides a framework for analyzing societal structures and behaviors through the lens of material conditions and economic factors.

Realism can accommodate non-physical aspects of consciousness, whereas materialism views them as purely brain-based phenomena.

Realism remains relevant, especially in debates concerning the nature of truth, science, and knowledge.

Materialism is central to many economic theories, especially Marxism, which views economic conditions as the base of all social structures.

Some realists support the idea of objective, universal moral truths existing independently of human beliefs or perceptions.

Materialism explains creativity as arising from the brain's physical capabilities and socio-historical context, potentially overlooking the intrinsic value and spontaneity of artistic expression.