Realists

Realists is a broad term applied to adherents of realism across disciplines, encompassing philosophy, international relations, literature, and art. It designates approaches and movements that emphasize an accurate or practical representation of reality rather than idealization or abstraction.

In philosophy, realism is the view that reality exists independently of human minds and language. It includes several strands, such as scientific realism, which holds that scientific theories describe a mind-independent world; metaphysical realism, which asserts that universals or structures exist independently of thought; and moral realism, which posits objective moral facts. Realism is often contrasted with various forms of anti-realism, idealism, or constructivism.

In international relations, realism is a school of thought that views the international system as anarchic and sees states as primary actors acting to preserve their security and power. Realists emphasize rational calculation, the pursuit of national interests, and the importance of balance of power. Classic precursors include Thucydides and Machiavelli; modern theorists include Hans Morgenthau and Kenneth Waltz. Realism is frequently challenged by liberal and constructivist theories that stress institutions, interdependence, and ideas.

In literature and art, Realism designates 19th-century movements that aimed to depict everyday life and social conditions without romanticization. French Realists such as Honoré de Balzac and Gustave Flaubert sought objective observation and social critique, while painters like Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet pursued similar aims in visual art.

Realists, therefore, is not a single doctrine but a broad descriptor for those who prioritize a faithful representation of reality within their respective domains, often with an emphasis on empirical observation, practical consequences, or social critique.