Realism is a philosophical view that holds the belief that reality exists independently of our thoughts, perceptions, and interpretations. In other words, it is the idea that there is a single, objective reality that exists outside of our minds and is not influenced by our thoughts or emotions. This idea stands in contrast to other philosophical theories such as idealism and skepticism which argue that the nature of reality is subjective or unknowable.

The origins of realism can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, who believed in the existence of a universal reality that could be discovered through observation and reason. However, the term “realism” was not coined until the 19th century by German philosopher, Friedrich Schelling.

At its core, realism is based on the premise that there is a world independent of our perceptions and that this world can be known through our senses and rational thought. This means that there is a truth or reality that exists regardless of how we interpret it. Furthermore, realists argue that this reality is objective and can be understood through scientific inquiry, observation, and experimentation.

One of the key principles of realism is the concept of materialism, which states that everything in the world, including our thoughts and consciousness, is ultimately a result of material interactions. This means that our mental experiences are ultimately rooted in physical phenomena, and therefore, can be understood and explained through scientific methods.

Realists also hold the belief that the external world is made up of concrete, physical objects that exist in time and space. These objects have properties that are inherent to them, and they can be described and studied independently of our perceptions of them. For example, a tree exists and has the property of being a tree whether we are there to perceive it or not.

In addition, realism asserts that language and concepts are not solely a product of our minds but are based on our experiences of the physical world. This means that our understanding of the world is shaped by our interactions with it and not solely by our thoughts and ideas.

One of the criticisms of realism is the concept of universals, which refers to concepts or qualities that are shared by multiple objects. For example, what makes a chair a chair? Is it the physical qualities of the object or the concept of “chair-ness” that we impose on it? Realists argue that universals exist independent of our thoughts and are inherent in the objects themselves. However, this concept has been challenged by other philosophical schools such as nominalism and conceptualism.

In conclusion, realism is a philosophical view that asserts the existence of an objective reality that can be known through our senses and rational thought. It holds that this reality is made up of concrete, physical objects with inherent properties and that our understanding of the world is shaped by our interactions with it. Realism has had a significant impact on various fields, including philosophy, science, and art, and continues to be a widely studied and debated topic in today’s society.