Realism
English Meaning
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).
- An inclination toward literal truth and pragmatism.
- 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 scholastic doctrine, opposed to nominalism, that universals exist independently of their being thought.
- Philosophy The modern philosophical doctrine, opposed to idealism, that physical objects exist independently of their being perceived.
